The Indian Secular Front (ISF) has sent ripples through the political landscape of West Bengal by releasing its first list of candidates for the 2026 Assembly elections. The biggest surprise in the list is the inclusion of Arabul Islam, the former firebrand TMC MLA from Bhangar, who has now been fielded by Naushad Siddiqui’s party from the Canning East constituency.

This move is seen as a direct retaliation to TMC’s strategy. The ruling Trinamool Congress has nominated Saokat Molla, the powerful leader from Canning East, to take on Naushad Siddiqui in Bhangar. In a counter-move, Naushad has deployed Arabul Islam into Saokat’s home turf, Canning East. The rivalry between Arabul and Saokat is legendary in South 24 Parganas, and their “seat-swap” battle has turned these two constituencies into the most watched ‘hotspots’ of the election.

Naushad Siddiqui himself will defend his Bhangar seat and has even thrown an open challenge to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to contest against him. Out of the 33 planned seats, ISF has named 23 candidates in its first phase, including several minority and tribal representatives. By giving a platform to a veteran like Arabul Islam, the ISF aims to consolidate the dissident TMC votes and local influence. This political realignment marks a significant shift in the electoral dynamics of South 24 Parganas, setting the stage for a fierce three-cornered contest.