Katwa Assembly Election Results 2026

Established in 1951, Katwa has participated in all 17 Assembly elections held in the state so far. For decades, it remained a Left bastion, with the unified Communist Party of India winning twice and the CPI(M) securing six victories after the 1964 split. The Congress party occasionally broke through, and its dominance began in earnest in 1996 when Rabindranath Chatterjee won the seat and went on to secure four consecutive victories for the Congress. In 2016, Chatterjee switched allegiance to the Trinamool Congress and continued his winning streak, securing victories in both 2016 and 2021. His record of six consecutive wins since 1996 remains unmatched in the constituency.

The 2016 election was a close contest, with Chatterjee defeating Congress’s Shyama Majumdar by just 911 votes. Majumdar, too, later left the Congress and contested the 2021 election as a BJP candidate. In a battle between two former Congress leaders, Chatterjee retained the seat, defeating Majumdar by 9,155 votes.

The BJP’s rise in Katwa has been gradual but noteworthy. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, it led in the Katwa Assembly segment by 1,859 votes, recording a symbolic breakthrough. However, the Trinamool Congress regained ground in 2024, leading by 12,415 votes in the segment, indicating a tightening contest.

Katwa had 267,738 registered voters in the 2021 Assembly elections, which rose to 275,698 in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Scheduled Castes comprised 27.41 per cent of the electorate, while Muslims accounted for 21.80 per cent. Voter turnout has remained robust, with 84 per cent in 2016, 82.55 per cent in 2019, 84.13 per cent in 2021, and 80.45 per cent in 2024.

Katwa town, which lends its name to the constituency, has a rich historical legacy. Known earlier as Indranee Pargana and later Kantak Nagari, Katwa holds religious significance for Vaishnavites. The town’s location at the confluence of the Ajay and Hooghly rivers made it strategically important during the Mughal and Nawabi eras. Katwa was a gateway to Murshidabad, the capital of Bengal Subah, and witnessed several battles during the Maratha invasions and the British conquest, including the First and Second Battles of Katwa in the 1740s and a skirmish in 1763 during the Third Battle of Katwa. Robert Clive held a council of war here before the decisive Battle of Plassey in 1757.

The terrain of Katwa is largely flat and fertile, typical of the alluvial plains of central Bengal. The Ajay River flows nearby, and the Hooghly River is also accessible, supporting agriculture and trade. The region is known for paddy cultivation, jute, and seasonal vegetables. Riverine trade once played a major role in the local economy, especially in salt and other commodities. Today, agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, supplemented by small-scale industries and trade. Katwa also has a vibrant cultural scene, especially during Kartik Puja, locally known as Kartik Ladai, where over 250 organisations compete in elaborate celebrations.

Infrastructure in Katwa is modest but functional. The town is connected by rail to Bardhaman, Bandel, Azimganj and Ahmedpur, with railway lines established in the early 20th century. Road connectivity is decent, with links to nearby towns and villages. Educational institutions and healthcare facilities are present, though higher education and specialised medical services often require travel to Bardhaman or Kolkata.

Katwa is located about 55 km from Bardhaman, the district headquarters, and approximately 150 km from Kolkata, the state capital. Nearby towns include Kalna (30 km), Katwa’s twin town Dainhat (10 km), and Purbasthali (25 km). Asansol lies around 152 km away, while Dhanbad town in Jharkhand is roughly 150 km from Katwa.

As the 2026 Assembly elections approach, Katwa is poised for a keen contest. The BJP, buoyed by its growing footprint and past leads, will be eyeing a breakthrough. The Trinamool Congress, led by the seasoned Rabindranath Chatterjee, will be determined to hold its ground. If the Congress-Left Front alliance manages to revive its presence, it could split the anti-Trinamool vote and tilt the balance in favour of the BJP. With no clear frontrunner, Katwa is set for a fiercely close electoral battle. 

(Ajay Jha)