With just days left for campaigning to end, the electoral contest in West Bengal has entered a decisive phase, with both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) scaling up efforts
across the state.
The BJP has deployed several Chief Ministers from other states, alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is leading multiple rallies. On the other side, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party leader Abhishek Banerjee are conducting extensive outreach, holding back-to-back rallies while travelling across districts.
Large-Scale Internal Mobilisation by TMC
Amid the peak campaign period, and shortly after the arrest of an IPAC co-owner, Abhishek Banerjee held a virtual internal meeting with approximately 30,000 party workers. Attendees included candidates, MPs, leaders of frontal organisations, Booth Level Agents (BLAs), Zilla Parishad members, councillors, and election committee members.
According to party insiders, the objective of the meeting was to energise the cadre ahead of polling. Banerjee is learnt to have emphasised that the final days of campaigning would be crucial and called for unified efforts on polling day.
Allegations on Institutional Functioning
Sources indicated that Banerjee raised concerns over the functioning of institutions, alleging that tribunals were not operating effectively and that the Election Commission was acting in favour of the BJP, along with other central agencies.
He also claimed that the BJP had spent significant financial resources to create a perception of an electoral wave in its favour.
Claims on Electoral Prospects
Banerjee sought to reassure party workers about TMC’s electoral prospects, stating that the party would return to power with a stronger mandate. He claimed that internal assessments and surveys indicated that TMC could surpass its 2021 performance in both vote share and seat tally.
Addressing concerns over voter deletions, he reportedly told workers that even large-scale removal of names would not affect the party’s chances, and alleged that a narrative was being spread portraying deleted voters as TMC supporters.
Remarks on Agencies and Security
During the meeting, Banerjee referred to the arrest of Vinesh Chandel and alleged that central agencies were being used to intimidate opposition leaders. He cited an instance where instructions were allegedly issued to check his vehicle and that of his spouse, adding that the matter would be pursued legally.
He also instructed party workers to remain vigilant outside strong rooms and to closely monitor polling-related activities.
Comments on Judiciary and Opposition Parties
Banerjee further alleged that certain cases were repeatedly being assigned to specific individuals within the judiciary.
Following the visit of Rahul Gandhi to Bengal, Banerjee also targeted the Congress, asking party leaders in Malda and Murshidabad to communicate to voters that supporting Congress would indirectly benefit the BJP. He claimed that elected Congress representatives could switch allegiance post-election, citing past political trends.
Instructions to Cadre Ahead of Polling
Banerjee issued several directives to party workers, including:
- Reporting any alleged intimidation by central forces such as the CRPF
- Activating party control rooms from early morning on polling day
- Remaining alert to prevent alleged irregularities
He also referred to previous elections in Bihar, alleging that a lack of vigilance had led to the manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), though no official confirmation of such claims was cited.
Final Campaign Messaging
Banerjee asserted that the BJP lacked sufficient ground-level activity in Bengal and was relying on perception-building with a wrong narrative. He reiterated confidence that TMC would secure a decisive victory.
With campaigning entering its final phase, both parties are expected to intensify their outreach further as they seek to consolidate support ahead of polling.
