Kolkata, Apr 27: Campaigning for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections concluded on Monday, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown across 142 constituencies.

The battle has been fierce, marked by sharp exchanges between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over issues ranging from infiltration and corruption to unemployment and governance.

A Heated Campaign Trail

The BJP leadership accused the ruling TMC of turning West Bengal into a “haven for infiltrators,” while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee countered by alleging that the saffron party was indulging in divisive politics, attempting to bifurcate the state, and even discouraging traditional food habits such as fish and eggs.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several BJP Chief Ministers, including Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, campaigned extensively, promising sweeping changes if voted to power.

PM Modi reached out to the Matua community, assuring them of permanent residency under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

HM Shah pledged to end “goonda raj” and “syndicate raj,” promising a special squad to stop cattle smuggling and announcing welfare measures such as a ₹3,000 monthly allowance for women and unemployed youth, along with free travel for women in state transport.

The TMC, led by Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, hit back by accusing the BJP of failing to deliver on its national promises. Mamata, buoyed by her party’s performance in the first phase, claimed that the TMC had already crossed the 100-seat mark and expressed confidence of securing a two-thirds majority.

Voter Strength and Security Measures

A total of 3,21,73,837 electors — comprising 1,64,35,627 men, 1,57,37,418 women, and 792 third-gender voters — are eligible to cast their votes in this phase on April 29. Polling will take place across 41,001 stations, all of which will be covered by webcasting.

The Election Commission has deployed 2,321 companies of central forces across seven districts, with Kolkata receiving the highest deployment of 273 companies.

Additionally, 142 general observers, 95 police observers, and 100 expenditure observers have been appointed. Drones fitted with cameras will monitor polling stations to ensure transparency and security.

Key Constituencies and Candidates

Among the constituencies, Bhangar has the highest number of candidates at 19, while Goghat has the lowest with five. The most high-profile contest is in Bhabanipur, where Mamata Banerjee is seeking re-election against BJP heavyweight Suvendu Adhikari.

In Kolkata Port, senior TMC leader Firhad Hakim faces BJP’s Rakesh Singh in a constituency considered crucial for the ruling party.

Other important seats include Bhatpara, Jagatdal, Barrackpur, Bangaon, Dumdum, Sandeshkhali, Hingalganj, Ranaghat Uttar and Dakshin, Rashbehari, Jadavpur, and Ballygunge.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also campaigned in the state, while veteran Congressman Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is contesting from Baharampur after a gap of 25 years, adding another dimension to the electoral battle.

First Phase and Political Exchanges

The first phase of polling, held on April 23 across 152 seats, recorded an impressive turnout of 93.19%. Mamata Banerjee claimed her party had already secured over 100 seats in that phase, projecting confidence ahead of the second round.

The campaign also witnessed sharp rhetoric. HM Shah’s remark about hanging Trinamool workers “upside down” after the polls drew strong criticism from Mamata Banerjee, who questioned the language used by a constitutional authority and warned of legal action.

She also raised concerns about alleged voter list deletions and accused the Election Commission-appointed administration of bias.

The Stakes Ahead

As campaigning ends, the focus shifts to April 29, when voters across 142 constituencies will decide the fate of the state. With heavy deployment of central forces, extensive monitoring, and high-profile candidates in the fray, the second phase promises to be as intense as the first.

The outcome, to be announced on May 4, will determine whether Mamata Banerjee secures a third consecutive term or whether the BJP makes significant inroads into West Bengal’s political landscape.