In a significant development for West Bengal politics, former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mausam Noor has officially returned to the Indian National Congress. This political homecoming comes just months before the crucial West Bengal Assembly elections in 2026, setting the stage for a dramatic realignment in the state's northern regions.
A Strategic Return to Political Roots
Mausam Noor, who previously served as the Trinamool Congress's Malda district president, formally rejoined the Congress party on January 3, 2026. Her departure from the TMC and subsequent return to her original political fold is seen as a major coup for the Congress party, which is striving to regain its lost ground in the state.
Her political lineage is deeply rooted in the Congress legacy of Malda. She belongs to the influential family of the late ABA Ghani Khan Choudhury, a towering Congress figure who dominated the political landscape of Malda for decades. This family connection provides her with substantial grassroots credibility and a loyal voter base.
Family Ties and Electoral Dynamics
The move is further complicated by family political allegiances. While Mausam Noor returns to Congress, her cousin, Isha Khan Choudhury, remains a Member of Parliament representing Malda Dakshin. This highlights the intricate and often divided nature of political dynasties in regional Indian politics, where family members may align with different parties based on strategic calculations.
Her re-entry into the Congress is expected to bolster the party's campaign in the Malda region, a traditional stronghold that has seen the party's influence wane in recent years. Analysts suggest her local network and the enduring goodwill of the Ghani Khan Choudhury legacy could help Congress reclaim some of its lost support base.
Implications for the 2026 Assembly Elections
The timing of this defection is critical. With the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for 2026, every political move is being scrutinized for its potential impact. Noor's switch is likely to intensify the competition in Malda and surrounding districts, potentially splitting votes and affecting the prospects of the ruling Trinamool Congress.
This development signals a possible shift in political alliances and voter sentiment in North Bengal. It underscores the Congress party's active efforts to rebuild its organization and present a formidable challenge in the upcoming state polls. The coming months will reveal how this high-profile return influences the broader electoral strategy of both the Congress and its rivals in a highly polarized political battlefield.
