The political corridors of West Bengal are buzzing with a single question: Is Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury returning to the State Legislative Assembly after three decades? On Thursday, the veteran Congress leader dropped a massive hint regarding his candidacy. Addressing the media, Chowdhury stated, “I am a soldier of the party. I will contest from wherever the high command asks me to.” This statement has fueled intense speculation that he might be the face of Congress from the Berhampore Assembly seat.

In a significant strategic shift, the Congress party has decided to go solo in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections, leading to a four-cornered contest. While senior leaders like Abhishek Manu Singhvi reportedly favored an alliance with the TMC, the party has finalized its decision to fight alone. Sources suggest that the candidate list is likely to be released after Eid following a high-level AICC meeting in Delhi.

Adhir Chowdhury, who dominated Berhampore as an MP for 25 years, started his legislative journey in 1996 as an MLA from Nabagram. Following his surprising defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to TMC’s Yusuf Pathan, the veteran leader is now looking to consolidate his base on home turf. With the Election Commission announcing the polls in two phases—April 23 and April 29—all eyes are now on the ‘soldier’ of the Congress to see if he can successfully storm back into the state assembly. The results will be declared on May 4.