The high-voltage campaign for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections ended on Tuesday, with political discourse dominated by contentious issues such as food habits, cross-border infiltration, the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and revised electoral rolls.
Voting for the first phase will take place on April 23 across 152 constituencies in northern districts and several parts of southern West Bengal. According to the Election Commission of India, nearly 3.60 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots, including 1.84 crore men, 1.75 crore women, and 465 third-gender voters.
Top BJP Leaders Target TMC Over Law And Order, Infiltration
Campaigning for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other party leaders accused the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) of fostering political violence, corruption, and illegal infiltration.
Addressing his final rally, Amit Shah predicted a change in government after the election results are declared on May 4.
“Her time at the helm of the state has come to an end,” Shah said, referring to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
He also urged voters to participate without fear, assuring them of strong security arrangements. The Election Commission has deployed around 2,450 companies of central paramilitary forces, comprising nearly 2.5 lakh personnel, to maintain law and order during polling. More than 8,000 polling stations have been identified as highly sensitive.
Shah also targeted TMC leadership, stating that “Bhaipo (nephew) will not be Bengal’s future chief minister,” in an apparent reference to Abhishek Banerjee.
TMC Hits Back, Accuses BJP Of False Promises
Responding sharply, Abhishek Banerjee accused the BJP of making unrealistic promises and failing to deliver on previous commitments such as depositing ₹15 lakh in bank accounts and creating two crore jobs annually.
“Those who could not fulfil basic promises cannot be trusted to provide welfare benefits,” he said.
He challenged BJP-ruled states to replicate West Bengal’s flagship welfare schemes, particularly Lakshmir Bhandar, which provides financial support to women.
“If even one BJP-ruled state implements a scheme like Lakshmir Bhandar for all women without discrimination, I will never ask for votes again,” he asserted.
Mamata Banerjee Confident Of Fourth Term In Power
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed confidence that the TMC would return to power for a fourth consecutive term.
She also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring himself the BJP’s candidate across all constituencies in the state.
“You have to quit the post of prime minister first for that to happen,” she said.
Banerjee further claimed that the BJP-led central government would not remain in power beyond 2026, asserting that the TMC would not only retain West Bengal but also challenge the BJP nationally.
Key Promises And Allegations Shape Campaign Narrative
The BJP promised several measures if elected, including:
- Implementation of the Uniform Civil Code
- Strengthening border security
- Stopping illegal infiltration
- Clearing pending Dearness Allowance (DA) dues
- Generating employment opportunities
- Increasing financial benefits to welfare beneficiaries
Meanwhile, the TMC accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate voter lists through the Special Intensive Review (SIR) process and misusing central agencies against opposition leaders.
The ruling party also alleged that the BJP would impose restrictions on the consumption of fish, meat, and eggs if it came to power—an allegation strongly denied by the BJP.
TMC’s promises included:
- Pucca houses for all families
- Universal piped drinking water
- Increased financial assistance schemes
- Support for landless farmers
Regional Issues And Gorkhaland Demand Remain Key Talking Points
Apart from national-level issues, several regional concerns shaped the campaign narrative, particularly in north Bengal. These included:
- The long-standing demand for Gorkhaland
- Wage concerns of tea garden workers
- Infrastructure gaps in northern districts
- Agrarian distress in districts such as Malda and Murshidabad
High-Profile Candidates Add Intensity To Phase 1
The presence of prominent political figures has intensified competition in several constituencies.
Key candidates include:
- Suvendu Adhikari (BJP, Nandigram)
- Nisith Pramanik (BJP, Mathabhanga)
- Udayan Guha (TMC, Dinhata)
- Goutam Deb (TMC, Siliguri)
- Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Congress, Baharampur)
In Nandigram, Suvendu Adhikari faces former aide Prabitra Kar, who recently switched to the TMC. Adhikari had defeated Mamata Banerjee in this constituency during the 2021 Assembly elections.
Other prominent contests include former BJP state president Dilip Ghosh contesting from Kharagpur Sadar against TMC candidate Pradeep Sarkar.
Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir is also drawing attention after controversial remarks about constructing a mosque similar to the Babri Masjid.
Congress Leaders Join Campaign, Though Party Remains Marginal
Senior leaders from the Indian National Congress, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, also campaigned for party candidates.
However, political observers view the Congress as a marginal force in the state’s electoral landscape.
Security Concerns After Protests Over Electoral Roll Revisions
Security concerns also featured prominently during the campaign after judicial officers conducting the Special Intensive Review (SIR) exercise were allegedly gheraoed in Mothabari in Malda district.
The incident prompted the Election Commission to involve the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate the matter, following directions from the Supreme Court of India.
Key Seats To Watch In Phase 1
Some of the constituencies drawing major attention include:
- Nandigram
- Bhawanipur
- Mekhliganj
- Sitalkuchi
- Darjeeling
- Raiganj
- Islampur
- Balurghat
- English Bazar
- Jangipur
With campaigning now over, political parties have shifted focus to mobilising voters and ensuring turnout ahead of polling day.