Campaigning in full swing for second phase of assembly elections in West Bengal

New Delhi, Apr 24, 2026 : In West Bengal, campaigning has reached its peak ahead of the second and final phase of Assembly elections on the 29th April, covering 142 constituencies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed rallies in Panihati and Baruipur today. He accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of corruption, infiltration, and being anti-women, citing the tragic death of a young doctor in Kolkata. He promised Ayushman Bharat’s rollout in Bengal, a monthly allowance for women under the Annapurna Bhandar scheme, and pledged to free the state from what he called “syndicate raj” and unemployment.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking in Hingalganj, expressed confidence that the BJP will form the next government, claiming strong gains in the first phase. He vowed to reopen cases of atrocities against women, end practices such as “cut money” and “nephew tax,” and deliver stalled development projects within five years. Shri Shah today He held a road show today at Jagtdal of North 24 Parganas.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, campaigning in Howrah, accused the Centre of withholding Rs.2 lakh crore owed to West Bengal and criticized privatization of public assets. She predicted that the BJP would win fewer seats than in the last election. Trinamool’s Abhishek Banerjee, speaking in Jagatballavpur, highlighted the state’s welfare initiatives and promised continued development.

With voter turnout crossing 92 per cent in the first phase, both sides are claiming momentum. As the second phase approaches, Bengal braces for a decisive contest that will shape the state’s political future.