The battle for Bhowanipore in the 2026 Assembly Elections kicked off officially this Monday, but with a surprising twist. While Kolkata Mayor and Minister Firhad Hakim led the campaign for CM Mamata Banerjee, all eyes were on his daughter, Priyadarshini Hakim, who walked beside him, actively engaging with residents.

Priyadarshini is no longer just a familiar face in political circles; she has been appointed as the ‘Coordinator’ for the Bhowanipore constituency. From managing BLO-2 meetings to crafting the high-level poll strategy discussed on Sunday night, her involvement has been pivotal. “I grew up here and know these people personally. It’s about taking the message of development to every doorstep,” she said during the door-to-door campaign.

With Mamata Banerjee set to campaign across the state, the responsibility of securing Bhowanipore lies with veterans Firhad Hakim and Subrata Bakshi. Firhad, a heavyweight in his own right, is leaving no stone unturned, and having Priyadarshini by his side adds a fresh energetic layer to the TMC’s grassroots outreach. Political observers see this as a strategic move to introduce the next generation of leadership while fortifying the party’s most prestigious seat.