As the West Bengal assembly elections get underway, the state is witnessing a intense battle between two of India's major political parties: the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Amidst the high-stakes contest, several key players have emerged who will play a crucial role in shaping the state's future.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is one of the most prominent figures in the state politics. She has been a dominant force in West Bengal for years, and this election is crucial for her to retain power. Banerjee has been focusing on welfare schemes and grassroots networks to woo voters. However, her campaign has faced criticism over allegations of voter deletions, which she claims have disproportionately affected her party's support base.

Suvendu Adhikari is another key player in the BJP's campaign. He has been gaining momentum since his victory over Banerjee in Nandigram in 2021. However, Adhikari is facing challenges from within his former support base, and he needs to consolidate the BJP's gains by focusing on governance issues and alleged irregularities. His performance will be crucial to the BJP's hopes of translating electoral gains into power.

Several other key players have also emerged in the elections. Dilip Ghosh, a former state party president, is aiming to reclaim his influence after a turbulent period within the BJP. Arjun Singh, a veteran politician, is fighting to remain politically relevant after multiple party switches. The TMC's attempt to inject fresh energy into its ranks is led by Trinankur Bhattacharya, a younger leader who is taking on seasoned opponents.

The elections are also witnessing a new generation of leaders emerging. Aroop Biswas, a long-serving TMC heavyweight, is campaigning on a platform of development and urban transformation. Papia Adhikari has emerged as a vocal critic of the TMC's governance model, particularly in urban constituencies. Swapan Dasgupta is bringing a high-profile presence to the BJP's campaign, combining policy critique with electoral outreach.

In another significant contest, Soma Thakur and Madhuparna Thakur are locked in a politically significant family battle that has drawn attention across the state. The outcome of this contest could influence voting patterns beyond a single seat. Mausam Benazir Noor is attempting to revive her family's political legacy while navigating a complex triangular contest. Her performance will determine whether legacy politics still holds sway in parts of Bengal.