Bengal Elections: 'M Factor' to Decide CM in 17 Kolkata Seats

• The West Bengal assembly elections will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, 2026, with counting on May 4, 2026.
• A direct contest is expected between Trinamool Congress and BJP, with the Left Front and Congress also participating.
• The 'M factor' (Muslim vote bank) is crucial in 17 Kolkata assembly constituencies, where TMC won all seats in 2021.
• Muslim voter influence varies: direct victory-deciding in Metiabruz (60%), Kolkata Port (51%), Ballygunge (50%), and important in Entally, Chowringhee (40%).
• Key contests include Mamata Banerjee vs. Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur, Firhad Hakim in Kolkata Port, and Abdul Khalique Molla in Metiabruz.