For the first time in 25 years, Behala West is set to see a candidate other than Partha Chatterjee representing Trinamool Congress. Following his arrest in the teacher recruitment scam and subsequent suspension, the party has maintained a calculated distance from the former Education Minister. Even though Partha has returned home on bail and started local outreach, the TMC high command is scouting for a fresh face.

Insiders reveal that a high-profile female leader, known for her organizational skills and proximity to Mamata Banerjee, is being considered for this prestige seat. The move is seen as a strategy to counter anti-incumbency and distance the party from the corruption allegations associated with the current MLA. After two decades of the “Partha-Raj,” Behala West prepares for a historic shift in the 2026 elections.