<h1>Incumbent Chief Minister named Left Democratic Front's 2026 candidate, party backs policy continuity and fiscal reallocation</h1> A senior state minister announced that the incumbent Chief Minister will be the Left Democratic Front's chief ministerial candidate for the 2026 state election, with party leadership endorsing continuity to pursue existing development policies. The finance minister emphasized collective decision-making within the party, defended prior and planned welfare spending, and accused the federal government of withholding over Rs 50,000 crore annually in transfers, requiring the state to reallocate resources. The statement signals a unified front favoring policy continuity, potential administrative portfolio changes post-election at the party's discretion, and reliance on internal fiscal measures to sustain social programs.