Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP of Poll Manipulation in Bhabanipur Election

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised serious allegations against the BJP, claiming that central forces and election observers are manipulating the polling process in her Bhabanipur constituency. This election is seen as a crucial rematch against Suvendu Adhikari, who previously defeated her in Nandigram. Banerjee's early morning visit to polling booths has sparked controversy, with accusations of irregularities and interference from outsiders. The BJP has dismissed her claims, asserting that the TMC is attempting to distract from public dissatisfaction. As voting continues in 142 constituencies, the outcome of this phase is expected to be significant for both parties.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 29, 2026, 10:16 IST

Mamata Banerjee's Polling Day Allegations

Kolkata: On Wednesday, West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a surprise visit to various polling booths in her Bhabanipur constituency, where voting was taking place. She accused central forces and election observers of acting under the influence of the BJP.

The Bhabanipur assembly seat is a significant battleground for Banerjee, who is facing off against Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition. This election is viewed as a symbolic rematch of their previous encounter in Nandigram, where Adhikari had triumphed in the 2021 assembly elections.

Typically, Banerjee casts her vote at Mitra Institution School in the afternoon, but this time she arrived at polling stations before 8 am, including locations in the Chetla area of south Kolkata.

While sitting outside a polling station in Chakraberia, she addressed reporters, alleging that the BJP was attempting to sway the election process through the actions of central forces and observers.

Banerjee stated, "Several observers have come from outside and are acting as per the BJP's directions. People are supposed to cast their votes — can voting take place like this?"

She further claimed that TMC flags had been removed prior to the election and accused outsiders of interfering with the voting process.

"They are not allowing the councillor of ward number 70 to step out. They are picking up all our boys. Abhishek and I stayed awake the entire night," she added.

Banerjee also expressed concerns about individuals from outside the state attempting to disrupt the election and called for immediate action from the Election Commission.

In response, the BJP dismissed her claims, asserting that the ruling party was merely trying to create confusion amid growing public dissatisfaction.

Abhishek Banerjee, the party's de facto second-in-command, expressed confidence that the TMC would secure more seats than in the previous election.

After casting his vote at Mitra Institution, he accused poll observers of being overly aggressive in various locations, stating, "But these things will not matter; we will win by a higher number of seats this election."

Conversely, Adhikari predicted that Banerjee would lose the election, having offered prayers at two temples in the Khidirpur area of the constituency.

He noted that voter turnout was high, with the Election Commission ensuring a fair electoral process, stating, "Does not matter, she will lose," in reference to Banerjee's early morning polling day appearance.

Voting is currently taking place in 142 constituencies during the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, with heightened security measures in place.

Polling commenced at 7 am, with voters queuing outside booths across Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly, and Purba Bardhaman — regions that are politically significant for the state.

The results of this phase are anticipated to be pivotal, as it encompasses south Bengal, a traditional stronghold for the TMC, where the BJP is aiming to make significant gains.

Voting will continue until 6 pm.

The first phase of the assembly elections on April 23 recorded a turnout of 93.19 percent, marking the highest participation rate in the state's history.