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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee confirmed IPAC will work with TMC through 2026, despite internal criticism. The partnership aims for a two-thirds majority in the 2026 elections.
Mamata Banerjee made it clear that nobody can bad mouth IPAC and she also stated that all must work together. (PTI)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has set the stage for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. Banerjee made it clear that the Indian Political Action Committee (IPAC) would continue to work with her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), through 2026. This announcement comes amidst ongoing criticism of IPAC by some TMC leaders.
Banerjee addressed the issue directly, stating, “This is not Prashant Kishor’s I-PAC. He works at a different place and has even formed another political party. This is a new team here. Everybody knows this. There has to be cooperation with them. Stop saying unnecessary things about them. This is because you must understand that everyone has to work together.”
The TMC’s association with IPAC began in 2019 after the BJP made significant gains in the state. Abhishek Banerjee, a key TMC leader, brought in political strategist Prashant Kishor and his organisation, IPAC, to revamp the party’s strategy. The partnership proved successful, with the TMC securing a resounding victory in the 2021 Assembly elections.
After that, as Prashant Kishor left, Prateek Jain took over the entire responsibility and started working with Mamata and Abhishek.
After the 2021 Bengal Polls, IPAC also worked with TMC in 2023 Panchayat Polls and then in by-elections .
Sources tell News18 that IPAC was always in constant touch with the top leaders of the party even though there were attempts to show that IPAC was not working with TMC.
Despite the success, some within the TMC remained uncomfortable with IPAC’s involvement. They felt the party didn’t need outside help. Some leaders even started saying that IPAC workers were involved in manipulation. A few weeks back, TMC MLA Madan Mitra clearly told the media, “Corruption in TMC has been brought by this pack, they float certain names and take money, they have been thrown out also.”
The statement sent ripples in political circles, even though that night, Mitra retracted his statement and issued an apology letter for this. Not only Madan Mitra, party MP Kalyan Banerjee also gave a statement where accusing the IPAC of manipulation.
On Thursday, Mamata Banerjee made it clear that nobody can bad-mouth the IPAC and she also stated that all must work together for elections, which means, as per contract, the IPAC will have its role in 2026 campaign for the TMC.
Mamata Banerjee’s recent statement reinforces IPAC’s continuing role in the TMC’s election strategy. The party aims to win a two-thirds majority in the 2026 Assembly elections, a target set by Abhishek Banerjee. This ambition was echoed by Mamata Banerjee when she rallied her party, saying, “Last time they had said, iss baar 200 paar and in Delhi 400 paar. Abhishek was right. Two-thirds majority will be there but you must ensure more seats. This time, BJP must lose their deposits!”
IPAC insiders maintain that their relationship with Mamata and Abhishek Banerjee remains strong. They believe that those within the TMC who feel threatened by IPAC’s presence are intimidated by the organisation’s direct approach and honest feedback. With a clear objective and a united front, the TMC, along with IPAC’s strategic support, is gearing up for a significant battle in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
