WEST BENGAL POLLS 2026
'Won’t let employees lose jobs': Mamata Banerjee defends I-PAC, accuses BJP of intimidation
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized the BJP. She accused the party of intimidating her political consultancy firm, I-PAC. Banerjee also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding women's reservation and delimitation. She asserted that the government's actions were aimed at dividing the country. Banerjee vowed to protect I-PAC employees.
TMC ramps up campaign: Abhishek Banerjee urges door-to-door push across Bengal
Bengal's election campaign intensifies as Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee directs party workers to reach out to all voters. Cadres are instructed to explain government schemes and development work. They are also told to remain vigilant on polling day, monitor EVMs, and report any intimidation.
TMC 'betrayed' women, will be punished in Polls: PM Modi in Bengal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked Trinamool and Congress for allegedly conspiring to defeat the Women's Reservation Bill. He addressed rallies in West Bengal's tribal regions, accusing the ruling party of betraying women. Modi promised financial assistance and the creation of Lakhpati Didis if the BJP forms the government, highlighting women's empowerment.
Political Parties to remove fake content on social media platforms within 3 hours of coming to their notice: ECI
The poll body noted that over 11,000 violative social media posts have been addressed since March 15, while 3,10,393 complaints were resolved via the C-Vigil app, highlighting a 96.01% resolution rate within 100 minutes.
West Bengal elections: TMC 'betrayed' women, will be punished in assembly polls, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Trinamool Congress of betraying women by blocking a bill for 33% reservation in Parliament and state assemblies. He asserted that women voters in West Bengal would punish the TMC in the upcoming assembly polls for opposing women's empowerment.
Narendra Modi to address four rallies in West Bengal on Sunday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address four public meetings across West Bengal on Sunday. The BJP is intensifying its campaign for the 2026 assembly elections. Modi's rallies in Bishnupur, Purulia, Jhargram and Medinipur aim to consolidate support in western and south-western districts. These regions have shown strong BJP performance in past elections.
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TMC linked to inclusion of 'infiltrators' in electoral rolls: Devendra Fadnavis in Kolkata
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has accused the Trinamool Congress of a conspiracy. He claims infiltrators' names were added to electoral rolls. Fadnavis stated border areas in West Bengal have seen demographic shifts due to infiltration. He warned this poses a threat to national security. People whose names were rightfully deleted did not protest, he added.

EC gives deadline to West Bengal to withdraw excess security for poll deployment
The Election Commission has ordered West Bengal to withdraw excess security from private individuals by Friday evening. This move aims to free up state police personnel for crucial booth-level election duties. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the decision, alleging selective targeting of Trinamool Congress leaders. The state is preparing for polling on April 23 and 29.

West Bengal polls phase 1: Candidates report asset surge since 2021; BJP''s Adhikari shows decline
Candidates in the West Bengal Assembly polls are declaring significant asset increases. Jakir Hossain's wealth more than doubled to over Rs 133 crore. Sudip Kumar Mukherjee saw a 2,344 percent rise to Rs 11 crore. Krishna Kalyani's assets jumped by 247 percent to over Rs 20 crore. Manas Ranjan Bhunia also more than doubled his assets.

I-T searches at TMC MLA Debasish Kumar's properties in Kolkata ahead of polls
The Income Tax Department searched two locations linked to TMC MLA Debasish Kumar. The searches occurred at his residence and election office. Kumar is contesting the Rashbehari seat. The Enforcement Directorate had previously summoned him regarding a land fraud case. Polling for Rashbehari is on April 29. Central forces were deployed at his residence.

Logical discrepancy not recognised term under EC framework, applied only in Bengal: Mamata Banerjee
TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee alleged "logical discrepancy" in the SIR exercise was selectively applied in West Bengal to favor the BJP, unlike in Bihar. She criticized the BJP as a "dirty party" and urged voters to reject them, claiming the party manipulates rally attendance by bringing in supporters from other states.

West Bengal assembly elections 2026: 2,926 candidates in fray for Bengal polls
A total of 2,926 candidates are now set to contest the West Bengal assembly elections. This number was finalized after the nomination withdrawal deadline passed. The Election Commission has confirmed the final list. Voters can access candidate details via the ECINet app. Ballot units will feature candidate photographs for easier identification. Polling is scheduled for April 23 and April 29.

EC tribunal begins Bengal operations with 16 judges present
Bengal's Appellate Tribunal is now operational with 16 judges. Election officials held review meetings in Bankura and Paschim Bardhaman. Voter awareness programs took place in Alipurduar, utilizing folk dance and football. The Election Commission is investigating a Nigerian footballer's involvement in a campaign and remarks by a Trinamool Congress leader. Special measures are in place for peaceful and accessible voting.

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: EC launches 24x7 helpline, email to report poll-related law and order issues
West Bengal voters can now report election-related law and order issues through a new dedicated helpline. The toll-free number 18003450008 is active 24/7. An email facility wbfreeandfairpolls@gmail.com is also available for grievances. These services will operate until vote counting concludes. The Chief Electoral Officer's office will handle all complaints promptly.

Election Commission appoints Odisha-cadre IPS officer as police observer for West Bengal polls
The Election Commission has appointed IPS officer Sarvana Vivek M as police observer for the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections. He will oversee police arrangements for the two-phase polls. Vivek, from the Odisha cadre, will be on deputation to the EC.

Ballygunge braces for intense battle as TMC seeks 4th term with veteran leader Sovandeb Chattopadhyay
The Ballygunge Assembly constituency - 161 is a wholly urban legislative seat situated in South Kolkata in West Bengal. Known as one of the city's most upscale and affluent residential areas, muslims constitute the majority in this area. The constituency's voters are drawn largely from the professional and educated classes, giving the seat a political character distinct from much of Bengal's rural areas.

'Change in Bengal is Inevitable': Sonamukhi BJP candidate predicts 'Double-Engine' government
A significant political change is anticipated in West Bengal as assembly elections approach. Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Dibakar Gharami and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung have called for unity among alliance partners. They are urging collective efforts to ensure the victory of the BJP and its allies in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

BJP struck Rs 1,000-cr deal to unseat TMC from power in Bengal: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged the BJP has struck a Rs 1,000-crore deal to unseat the Trinamool Congress from power, citing a purported video. She also accused central forces of disrespecting women and the BJP of bribing voters and manipulating the upcoming polls. Banerjee further labeled the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls as the "country's biggest scam."

West Bengal election: SIR country's biggest scam in recent times, says Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of bribing voters before elections. She labelled the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls as the country's biggest scam. Banerjee urged people to remain alert about voting machines, alleging plans for slow voting and counting. She also predicted the central government's fall in 2026.

West Bengal's 65-seat faultline: How razor-thin margins, SIR deletions could decide who forms govt
West Bengal’s 2026 Assembly election is shaping up as a closely contested battle that may hinge on 65–70 marginal constituencies, where small vote differences and recent electoral roll revisions could prove decisive.

Ultimate showdown in Nandigram as TMC's Pabitra Kar challenges BJP's Suvendu Adhikari in his stronghold
Nandigram in West Bengal is set for a significant 2026 election. The constituency witnessed a historic movement that propelled Mamata Banerjee to power. Now, Suvendu Adhikari, a former TMC loyalist, faces Banerjee's party. Key issues include post-poll violence, unemployment, and farmer welfare. Security measures are in place to ensure a peaceful electoral process. This election promises another intense political showdown.

West Bengal elections: Owaisi's AIMIM cuts ties with Humayun Kabir's party, to contest polls independently
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: The announcement follows remarks and revelations attributed to Kabir, which AIMIM said raised concerns regarding the "integrity of Muslims." In a strongly worded statement, the party declared that it "cannot associate with any statements where the integrity of Muslims is brought into question," and confirmed that it has officially ended the alliance with immediate effect.

Amit Shah to release BJP's West Bengal manifesto in Kolkata on Friday
Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the Bharatiya Janata Party's West Bengal manifesto, 'Sankalp Patra'. The manifesto outlines promises for women, healthcare, education, and industrial growth. The BJP aims to address citizen needs and bring change to the state. Polling for the assembly elections will occur in April, with results expected in May.

PM Modi promises jobs, safety, and end of TMC rule in West Bengal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for a “double-engine government” in Bengal ahead of the 2026 assembly polls, unveiling a six-point “Modi’s guarantee” at a Haldia rally. He promised to implement the Seventh Pay Commission for all government employees if the BJP comes to power, ensure government accountability, provide women’s safety, punish corrupt Trinamool leaders, and remove infiltrators.

West Bengal polls 2026: 'We will move court again to resist voter deletions', Mamata Banerjee says
Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister, has strongly criticized the BJP and the Election Commission. She alleges widespread voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Banerjee stated her party, TMC, will pursue legal action to prevent the removal of voters from electoral rolls.

Bengal Election 2026 Dates: Phase 1 & 2 voting schedule, which districts vote when, exit poll timing & result day
Bengal Election Dates: West Bengal gears up for a high-stakes 2026 Assembly Election, with the TMC seeking a fourth term against a resurgent BJP. Key issues include anti-incumbency and law and order, amidst ongoing political controversies. The outcome will significantly shape eastern India's political future.

EC may roll out SIR in remaining 22 states, Union territories post this month's assembly polls
The Election Commission plans to conduct the final phase of voter list revision across 22 states and Union Territories. This exercise will commence after the ongoing assembly elections conclude. So far, 60 crore voters have been covered in previous clean-up drives. The upcoming phase will cover the remaining 39 crore electors.

West Bengal Assembly Elections: Malda, Murshidabad workers extend Eid stay to vote
Thousands of migrant workers from Malda and Murshidabad are returning home. They are extending their stay after Eid festivals to cast their votes in upcoming assembly polls. Many fear losing their voter IDs if they do not vote. These workers are coming from states like Maharashtra and Kerala.
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