BJP Eyes Mamata's Bengal, Stalin's TN in 2026; Congress Faces Survival Test

• The 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry will significantly shape national politics.
• BJP aims to breach Mamata Banerjee's and M.K. Stalin's strongholds, viewing Bengal as a high-stakes battle crucial for 2029.
• Successful defense by Mamata and Stalin would elevate their national stature and opposition leadership, challenging the Modi-Shah duo.
• Congress faces a critical survival test in Kerala against the LDF and internal leadership struggles in Karnataka between D.K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah.
• Internal changes are anticipated in Congress, with K.C. Venugopal potentially eyeing Kerala CM, and questions arising about Priyanka Gandhi and Sachin Pilot's roles.

Why It Matters: 2026 elections are pivotal; BJP targets key opposition bastions while Congress battles for survival and internal reform.