Mission 2029: Will Mamata Banerjee be the face of the post of PM? Bengal elections of 2026 will decide the future national chessboard

News India Live, Digital Desk: Assembly elections are going to be held in West Bengal in the next few months. Political experts believe that these elections are not only for the power of the state, but also a fight to re-establish the national stature of Mamata Banerjee (Didi). If she returns to power for the fourth time in 2026, her bid for the post of Prime Minister in 2029 will become even stronger within the ‘India Alliance’. 3 strong points of Mamata Banerjee’s candidature: Biggest strength as a regional satrap: Mamata Banerjee has successfully stopped the BJP’s victory chariot in Bengal in the last elections. She is one of the few opposition leaders who has the capacity to directly challenge Prime Minister Modi in his stronghold. ‘Daughter of Bengal’ and the women’s card: Mamata Banerjee’s popularity among women voters across the country (due to schemes like Lakshmi Bhandar) projects her as a ‘mass leader’. Acceptability in the opposition: After Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee is the only face within the alliance who has long experience of governance and a dedicated vote bank. Why 2026 victory Is it mandatory for 2029? According to Zee News report, 2026 elections are an ‘acid test’ for Mamata Banerjee: Fight for survival: This time BJP has given the slogan of ‘Paltano Darkar’ (need for change). If TMC’s seats reduce, their ‘negotiation power’ at the national level may weaken. Corruption allegations: Recruitment scams and ED actions in recent years have affected the image of the government. The victory of 2026 will be considered as the public’s ‘clean chit’ on these allegations. Rahul Gandhi vs Mamata: There is always a fight for ‘number 1′ in the opposition alliance. The victory of 2026 can put Mamata at par with or ahead of Rahul Gandhi. BJP and Congress’ stance BJP: BJP leaders claim that their government will be formed in Bengal in 2026, due to which Mamata’s ‘dream of becoming PM’ will end there. Congress: Congress still considers Rahul Gandhi as its face, but they are sticking to the strategy of taking regional allies along.