Mamata Banerjee Visits Bhabanipur Polling Booths, Accuses Central Forces of Bias Towards BJP

KOLKATA, Apr 29: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday made an early start to polling day in the high-profile Bhabanipur constituency, touring multiple booths and raising serious allegations against central forces and election observers. Voting is currently underway in what is being seen as one of the most closely watched contests of the state elections.

Breaking from her usual routine, Banerjee stepped out before 8 am, visiting polling stations across south Kolkata, including the Chetla area, to assess the ground situation.

Allegations of Interference and Electoral Irregularities

Speaking to reporters outside a polling booth in Chakraberia, Banerjee accused central agencies of attempting to influence voters. She claimed that several election observers were acting in alignment with the Bharatiya Janata Party, raising concerns over the fairness of the polling process.

She further alleged that party workers were being detained and local representatives restricted from moving freely. According to her, individuals from outside the state were creating disruptions, prompting her to call for immediate intervention by the Election Commission of India.

Symbolic Clash Rekindles Nandigram Rivalry

The Bhabanipur contest has taken on added significance as Banerjee faces off against Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. The contest is widely viewed as a symbolic rematch of the Nandigram battle in the 2021 assembly elections, where Adhikari had defeated Banerjee.

This high-stakes electoral face-off is being closely watched, given its political implications for both leaders.

BJP Rejects Claims, Predicts Shift in Voter Sentiment

The Bharatiya Janata Party dismissed the Chief Minister’s allegations, accusing the ruling party of attempting to create confusion amid growing public dissatisfaction.

Meanwhile, Suvendu Adhikari expressed confidence in the outcome, stating that voters were turning out in large numbers and that proper arrangements were in place to ensure free and fair elections.

TMC Confident of Stronger Mandate

Senior All India Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee echoed confidence in the party’s prospects. After casting his vote, he alleged instances of high-handedness by observers but maintained that the party would secure a stronger mandate than in the previous election.

Massive Voter Turnout Across Key Districts

Polling began at 7 am across 142 constituencies in the second and final phase of the elections, covering key districts such as Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia, and North and South 24 Parganas. These regions are considered the electoral heartland of the state.

The turnout is expected to play a decisive role, especially in south Bengal, traditionally a stronghold of the ruling party but now witnessing an aggressive push by the BJP.

High Stakes as State Awaits Verdict

With polling set to continue till evening, the outcome of this phase is likely to shape the broader political landscape of West Bengal. The first phase recorded a historic voter turnout of over 93 percent, setting the tone for a fiercely contested election.

Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, when the final verdict on this intense political battle will emerge.