W Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: War of Words Intensifies Between TMC and BJP
W Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: As the campaign for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections-2026 reaches its peak, reports of clashes, mutual recriminations, and administrative irregularities are emerging from the northern part of the state.
On Sunday, when PM Modi had Jhalmuri in the Jhargram district and shared videos and photos of the moment on social media, the post was instantly embraced by the public and went viral within minutes. However, this particular style of PM Modi did not sit well with the state's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. Taking a jibe at his "Jhalmuri break," she remarked that he was merely putting on an act.
Taking a dig at PM Modi's break, Mamata Banerjee stated, "They installed microphones at the Jhalmuri stall and had the SPG prepare the Jhalmuri. During election season, he retreats into a 'cave.' In Assam and Bengal, he projects himself as a 'Chaiwala' (tea seller). He pulled 10 rupees out of his pocket to eat Jhalmuri—just think about it. Was that Jhalmuri not, in fact, prepared for him in advance? If that were not the case, why was a camera installed inside the shop? It is all just drama."
BLOs distributing voter slips under TMC's banner: BJP
The state's two major rival parties—the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—are leveling several serious allegations against each other. The BJP alleges that certain Booth Level Officers (BLOs)—who are reportedly under the influence of the Trinamool Congress—are distributing voter slips under the party's banner without the permission of the Election Commission. In several locations, BJP workers have intervened to register their objection to this practice.
Trinamool accuses BJP of distributing 'guarantee cards' among women
On the other hand, Trinamool has accused the BJP of distributing 'guarantee cards' among women. Trinamool claims that, in response to the state government's 'Lakshmi Bhandar' scheme, the BJP is promising a monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000; under this pretext, they allege, bank account details are being collected. Protests regarding this issue have erupted across the region, spanning from the hills to the plains.
No wave of change in Bengal: Mamata
Mamata Banerjee asserted that there is absolutely no wave of change sweeping across Bengal. She alleged that wherever Prime Minister Modi holds a rally, crowds are artificially inflated by bringing in people from outside via trains. She further claimed that they lack the personnel required to man the polling booths. Instead, she alleged, they are utilizing central agencies to exert pressure and are orchestrating the arrests of TMC members.
Change is imminent: Suvendu Adhikari
In contrast to Mamata Banerjee's assertions, Suvendu Adhikari—one of the BJP's prominent leaders—stated, "Change is imminent under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. The tide has turned, and the TMC is on its way out of power. This time, the BJP is poised for a landslide victory in Bengal, and Mamata Banerjee will once again have to concede defeat against me." It is worth noting that Suvendu had defeated Mamata Banerjee in the previous Assembly elections held in 2021. This time around, Suvendu Adhikari is contesting from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur.
Meanwhile, confusion persists regarding the voting process for employees and police personnel engaged in election duty. In the Malda district, allegations have surfaced that employees were instructed to cast their votes at designated centers; however, a lack of accurate information has led to widespread discontent among them.
Notably, the first phase of voting—covering a total of 152 assembly constituencies, including all 54 seats in North Bengal—is scheduled to take place on April 23. The election campaign for these seats will conclude at 6:00 PM on Tuesday. Voting for the remaining 142 seats will be held on April 29, and the results for all constituencies will be declared on May 4.