NEW DELHI: A recent survey conducted by Vote Vibe highlights a complex political landscape in West Bengal ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. While there is notable anti-incumbency sentiment against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continues to enjoy significant public support, positioning her as a key player in the upcoming electoral contest.
According to the data, 53.2% of respondents expressed anti-incumbency sentiments—34.4% described their sentiment as “very strong,” while another 18.8% said it was “strong.” This discontent was consistent across age groups and genders, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration.
Corruption emerged as the most pressing issue for voters. Around 60.1% of participants linked the teacher recruitment scam to deep-rooted corruption within the TMC government. Overall, 25.8% identified corruption as their top election issue. Concern was particularly high among the 35–44 age group, where 64% expressed serious worries.
Incidents of political violence, such as those in Sandeshkhali and R.G. Kar Medical College And Hospital, have significantly influenced public perception of Banerjee’s leadership. Nearly half of the respondents (49.1%) said such events had damaged her credibility. However, 27% strongly disagreed. Younger voters were more affected by these incidents, while older voters were more dismissive.
The survey also found that 54.9% of respondents agreed with the BJP’s allegation that the TMC government engages in minority appeasement. Of these, 43.4% strongly agreed, and 11.5% somewhat agreed, while 34.1% rejected the charge. This suggests growing polarisation on religious lines, with religious issues ranking as the third most important concern—after corruption and unemployment.
Despite these challenges, Banerjee remains the most popular choice for Chief Minister, with 41.7% support.
