After losing its position as the principal opposition party, the Congress quickly faded into oblivion, retaining only a few pockets of influence. The 2026 Assembly election results showed the once seemingly invincible CPI(M)’s vote share falling to 4.45 per cent, and the Congress’ to a mere 2.97 per cent—the lowest for both. Both parties drew a blank in the previous Assembly election, in spite of joining forces in a seat-sharing arrangement. The Trinamool Congress implosionAfter the 2026 election, the situation has again changed dramatically. With both the Left and the Congress trying to stage a comeback, there is speculation on prospects for a tie-up.