Political activity among opposition parties has intensified in the run-up to the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. In this context, a significant multi-party meeting was held at the state office of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) in Kolkata, bringing together representatives from several regional and national parties.
Leaders from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Janata Unnayan Party (JUP), Azad Samaj Party (ASP), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Indian National League (INL), Moolnivasi Party, and Indian Secular Front (ISF) participated in the discussions. According to sources, the meeting focused on the current political situation in the state, strengthening organizational networks, potential electoral coordination, and the possibility of a common minimum programme.
Participants underscored the need to build an “alternative political platform” against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). Although no formal alliance was announced, sources indicated that dialogue among the parties would continue in the coming months.
Political circles are also abuzz with speculation about coordination talks involving the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and ISF. The recent presence of CPI(M) leaders at an SDPI event in Murshidabad has been viewed in this context. Party sources said the participation was on the instructions of state secretary Mohammed Salim. It is also learnt that JUP leaders held a separate meeting with Salim to discuss the political situation in the state and the prospects of cooperation.
Meanwhile, SDPI and ISF have already held a joint press conference over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue, raising concerns about the alleged deletion of names from the voters’ list.
On the other hand, the Indian National Congress has indicated that it may adopt an independent strategy in the upcoming Assembly elections. Party sources say the focus will be on strengthening the organization at the grassroots level and maintaining a distinct political identity.
Political analysts believe that the Congress’ stance could alter the opposition landscape compared to 2021. In the 2021 Assembly elections, Congress, CPI(M), ISF, and other Left parties had contested jointly, but the alliance failed to achieve the expected results, with only ISF managing to win a single seat.
Observers say the meeting at the SDPI office may mark an important step toward dialogue and possible realignment among opposition forces. While no formal grand alliance has yet been announced, the series of meetings and joint programmes suggests that new political equations could emerge in West Bengal ahead of 2026.
The coming months are likely to determine whether these discussions evolve into an electoral alliance or remain limited to issue-based cooperation.
