In the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections, Pulak Roy of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) emerged victorious in the Uluberia Dakshin constituency, defeating Swami Mangalananda Puri of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by a margin of 17,187 votes after all 19 rounds of counting. The final tally confirmed Roy's continued dominance in this seat, which he has represented since 2011.
Historical Context and Previous Results
Uluberia Dakshin, located in the Howrah district, has been a stronghold for the TMC since the 2011 assembly elections. In the 2021 election, Pulak Roy secured 1,01,880 votes, defeating BJP candidate Papia Dey (Adhikary), who garnered 73,442 votes. That victory margin of 28,438 votes was significantly higher than the current margin. The constituency was historically influenced by the Left Front, particularly the Forward Bloc, but the TMC has consolidated its position over the past decade.
Key Issues in the Region
Residents of Uluberia Dakshin face several pressing challenges. Chronic drainage and waterlogging in low-lying wards remain a persistent problem, especially during the monsoon season. Rapid peri-urban growth along the Howrah-Kolkata corridor has placed immense pressure on road infrastructure, leading to frequent traffic congestion. Additionally, gaps in solid waste management have become more pronounced as the area urbanizes. Employment security is a major concern, as many residents depend on small trading, transport, and informal sector jobs linked to Uluberia town and the wider industrial belt. The regulation of unorganized work is therefore a central issue for voters.
Political Landscape
Pulak Roy has won the Uluberia Dakshin seat for the fourth consecutive time in 2026, underscoring his stable incumbency and the TMC's organizational strength. The constituency falls under the Uluberia Lok Sabha constituency, where TMC's Sajda Ahmed retained the parliamentary seat in the 2024 general elections, further reinforcing the party's deep-rooted presence across this cluster of assembly segments.
The 2026 election results come at a time when West Bengal politics is witnessing intense competition. While TMC continues to hold sway in many areas, the BJP has made inroads in several constituencies. However, in Uluberia Dakshin, Roy's personal popularity and the party's grassroots machinery proved decisive.
Broader Election Context
Across West Bengal, the 2026 elections have seen a fierce battle between TMC and BJP, with other parties like the Left Front and Congress playing marginal roles. In neighboring states, the elections have also produced significant outcomes: in Tamil Nadu, Vijay's TVK party emerged as a formidable force, pushing DMK and AIADMK to the margins; in Assam, the BJP managed to retain power; and in Kerala and Puducherry, key shifts occurred. These results reflect the dynamic political landscape of India.
For detailed coverage of the 2026 election results, including live updates, winner lists, constituency-wise results, and party-wise trends, readers can follow The Times of India's comprehensive reporting.
This article is based on reporting by the TOI News Desk, a team of journalists dedicated to delivering timely and accurate news.
