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In a theatrical twist hours after the Election Commission of India declared the West Bengal Assembly election schedule to be held in 2026 on March 15, the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suddenly lost many of her close aides as both administrators and advisors. It is reported that the changes were targeted at key persons who occupied influential positions in departments and organizations adjacent to TMC, and the orders were given at late hours or early mornings.

The initiative is made against the backdrop of the current tension between the TMC government and the poll body, with particular employee voter roll disenfranchisement scandals, terminated dharna agitation by Mamata, and bias charges. Political experts opine that the reshuffle may have been a precaution move to abide by the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which does not allow a major appointment or other favors after the schedules of polls are known or an in-house TMC approach of simplifying command before the campaign is commenced.

Although the names and reasons have not been confirmed by any official of Nabaana or even the TMC headquarters, party insiders pointed towards mere preparations against the election. The time has resulted in speculation and criticism of the opposition, with the BJP leaders terming it an acknowledgment of political favoritism in governance. The growth gives new spice to the high-stakes Bengal polls.