Battle for Bengal: Campaigning Ends for Final Phase; 142 Seats to Vote on Wednesday

KOLKATA — The high-octane campaign for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections concluded on Monday, setting the stage for a massive electoral exercise on Wednesday, April 29. With 3.21 crore voters eligible to cast their ballots across 142 constituencies in seven districts, the results will determine if the Trinamool Congress (TMC) retains its fortress or if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secures its first-ever government in the State.

The Numbers and the Stakes

• Voters: 3.21 Crore
• Seats: 142
• Candidates: 1,448
• Phase 1 Context: Record-breaking turnout of over 90%.
• Counting Day: May 4.

The Battle of Narratives: Modi vs. Mamata

On the final day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi rallied in Barrackpore, promising a “double-engine government” to free Bengal from its “shackles.” In a personal audio message, he described his campaign trail as a “pilgrimage,” exuding confidence that he would return for the oath-taking ceremony.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, meanwhile, focused her energy on the capital, leading three massive roadshows through Dhakuria, Gariahat, and Hazra. Her nephew and TMC General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, countered the BJP’s narrative at rallies in Hooghly and South 24 Parganas, where tensions remain high following an attack on the vehicle of TMC MP Mitali Bag.

The “60-Day” Security Promise

In a significant announcement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured voters in Kolkata that the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) would not leave immediately after the polls. To curb post-poll violence, Shah promised that the forces would stay in the State for 60 days after May 4.

The Election Commission has already deployed a massive 2,321 companies of Central forces across the seven districts to ensure a peaceful environment following reports of crude bomb recoveries and clashes in constituencies like Jagatdal and Bhangar.

High-Profile Contests to Watch

This phase features some of the biggest names in Bengal politics:

• Bhabanipur: A “Clash of Titans” where Mamata Banerjee faces off against BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari.
• Panihati: The BJP has fielded Ratna Debnath, the mother of the R.G. Kar victim, a seat with high emotional and social significance.
• The Ministerial Line-up: Heavyweights like Firhad Hakim (Kolkata Port), Aroop Biswas (Tollygunge), and Bratya Basu (Dum Dum) are all in the fray.