Amit Shah Engages with BJP Leaders Ahead of West Bengal Elections
Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a crucial meeting with BJP leaders in Kolkata ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections. Highlighting the significance of his visit to the Kalighat temple, BJP candidate Swapan Dasgupta raised concerns about the lack of development in the region under TMC's governance. With the elections approaching, the BJP aims to unseat the ruling TMC, while Mamata Banerjee seeks a fourth term. Voter turnout statistics reveal significant engagement in the electoral process, indicating a competitive atmosphere as the elections draw near.
| Apr 23, 2026, 15:56 IST
Amit Shah's Meeting with BJP Leaders
On Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a meeting with leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at their office in Kolkata, just ahead of the second phase of the West Bengal assembly elections. Earlier in the day, BJP candidate from Rashbehari, Swapan Dasgupta, highlighted Shah's scheduled visit to the Kalighat temple, a revered site for Hindus. He noted that this temple is located within the same constituency where he is contesting - Rashbehari.
Concerns Over Development Under TMC
Dasgupta expressed his worries regarding the development in the area under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. He hopes to inform Shah about the neglect faced by the region over the past 15 years of TMC rule and the necessary improvements needed in local facilities. Currently, all 11 seats in Kolkata are held by the TMC following their victories in the last elections, with voting for the second phase scheduled for April 29. Rashbehari has been a stronghold for the TMC since its formation in 2011, and prior to the delimitation in 2011, the TMC also held the Rashbehari Avenue seat, which was contested by four-time MLA Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay. Dasgupta is now up against the incumbent MLA Debashish Kumar.
BJP's Ambitions for Upcoming Elections
The BJP, which secured 77 seats in the previous elections, aims to defeat the ruling TMC in the 2026 assembly elections, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee seeks to secure her fourth consecutive term.
Voter Turnout in West Bengal
A significant number of voters are participating in the elections in West Bengal. According to the Election Commission of India, as of 1 PM on Thursday, a voter turnout of 56.81% was recorded in the first phase. The highest turnout was in West Medinipur district at 65.77%, followed by Jhargram at 65.31% and Bankura at 64.58%. The lowest turnout was noted in Malda at 58.45%.