Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a poll rally at Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas district
| Photo Credit:
Jayanta Shaw
The high-decibel poll campaign for the second and final phase of the Assembly elections in West Bengal ended on Monday, with 142 constituencies going to the polls in this phase on Wednesday. The seats that will vote in the second phase cover eight electoral districts — Kolkata North, Kolkata South, Howrah, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman.
These 142 seats, spread over south Bengal, are considered West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress’ stronghold. The Trinamool won 123 of the total 142 seats in the 2021 Assembly elections, while the saffron party could only win 18 seats.
Addressing a poll rally at Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas district on the final day of campaigning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi exuded confidence that the BJP would form the next government in the State. “From the mood I have sensed in Bengal, I can say I have to come again for the oath-taking ceremony of the BJP government after May 4,” said Modi, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Phase 1 turnout
The first phase of polling on April 23 registered a record voter turnout of 93.19 per cent. The counting for West Bengal will be held on May 4. Modi said Bengal’s progress was essential for India’s overall development, and stressed that the rise of the eastern region was crucial for the country’s future.
The Prime Minister launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress, accusing it of presiding over ‘syndicate raj’, political violence and economic decline. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday held a long march and a bike rally in South Kolkata on the final day of campaigning. Leading a huge roadshow through Jadavpur and South Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress chief drew a sea of supporters as she wrapped up her high-energy campaign.
She has set an ambitious target of a “double century”, aiming for 200 seats for the Trinamool Congress in this Assembly elections.
After the first phase of polling, Banerjee said the massive voter turnout indicated the TMC was already in a position to win. “From my understanding of people’s mind, we are already in a position to win given the polling held in the first phase,” she said.
Banerjee had a public outreach programme in her own constituency, Bhabanipur, where she is taking on her arch-rival and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in a high-voltage contest.
Published on April 27, 2026
