Kolkata - West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that the Trinamool Congress will contest the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections independently, ruling out any alliances with other parties, including the Congress. Addressing party legislators at a meeting before the budget session, Banerjee asserted that the Trinamool Congress would secure a fourth term with a two-thirds majority.

Banerjee stated, "Congress has nothing in West Bengal. So there is no question of having an alliance with Congress in the state. Trinamool Congress will be contesting alone in West Bengal. We will form the government again for the fourth time in 2016 securing a two-thirds majority."

Banerjee criticized the Congress for its performance in the recent Delhi Assembly elections, blaming them for the BJP's victory. She argued that a united front between the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in both Delhi and Haryana could have prevented the BJP's success.

The Chief Minister also used the platform to caution party legislators against making public statements that could embarrass the party leadership. She specifically referenced recent comments by legislator Madan Mitra, who had suggested that purchasing positions within the party's district committee was commonplace. While Mitra has since apologized, Banerjee emphasized the need for stricter discipline moving forward.