Abhishek launches TMC campaign in Patharpratima, sets 40k target
The Statesman | 25 March 2026
Launching the election campaign from Patharpratima in South 24-Parganas on Tuesday, Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee not only doubled the victory target this time but made five promises that the party will ensure once they come to power for the fourth time.
Addressing a large gathering despite intense heat, Banerjee buoyed by the massive turnout unveiled a “five-point pledge” for the region and set an ambitious electoral target for party workers.
He announced that if the government led by Mamata Banerjee returns to power for a fourth term, five key initiatives will be prioritised in the first phase.
These include continuation of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, ensuring permanent housing for all, doorstep healthcare services at block and town levels, access to piped drinking water, and old-age pensions for senior citizens.
“Even if the Centre does not provide funds, the state government will ensure piped drinking water reaches every household,” he said, adding that the party has consistently stood by the people.
Promising a huge relief to the farmers, Banerjee said that an agricultural budget of Rs 30,000 crore would be announced from the same venue at Raidighi.
Referring to past performance, Banerjee noted that TMC had won the Patharpratima seat by a margin of 22,134 votes in the previous Assembly election.
He urged party workers to nearly double that margin this time, setting a target of at least 40,000 votes.
“You will have to ensure that the BJP does not cross the 50-seat mark across the state,” Banerjee told the supporters present on the ground.
Without naming the party directly, Banerjee also criticised the BJP, invoking the “outsider versus son-of-the-soil” narrative. He alleged that forces from Delhi were attempting to undermine the rights of the people of Bengal.
With the entry of TMC heavyweight Abhsihek Banerjee, the rally in Patharpratima sets the tone for an intense electoral battle, with TMC leadership aiming to energise its cadre ahead of the upcoming polls.