west bengal polls

West Bengal polls: Election rigged by EC, won’t resign as CM, says Mamata

West Bengal polls: TMC claims BJP behind arson attack on Siliguri office, shares video

West Bengal polls: Mamata loses assembly seat, says beaten by 'force, manipulation'

West Bengal polls: Lockdown in strongroom areas after TMC, BJP clash

Kolkata police have imposed strict prohibitory orders around EVM strongrooms following Trinamool's vote tampering claims and clashes with BJP workers. Security has been heightened with additional forces and sealed roads. The Election Commission vows to punish any disruption, emphasizing robust security at all counting centers statewide to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Mamata Banerjee Accuses Central Forces of Bias During West Bengal Polls

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that CRPF personnel are showing bias toward a specific political party during ongoing elections. She also insisted that all voters waiting in line at closing time must be permitted to vote.

West Bengal polls: Bhowanipore feels the heat as Mamata and Suvendu take on each other

Bhabanipur witnessed high-voltage drama as Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari traded barbs amid polling. Mamata accused the BJP of rigging, while Suvendu dismissed her claims as frustration. Tensions flared at a polling booth, requiring intervention by security forces. This phase is crucial for both TMC's stronghold and BJP's challenge in south Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP of Attempting to 'Forcefully Rig' West Bengal Polls

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, contesting from Bhabanipur, accused the BJP of attempting to forcefully rig the West Bengal assembly elections as voting began in the second phase across 142 constituencies. Banerjee alleged widespread interference by central forces and poll observers, claiming CRPF personnel vandalized a councillor's home and TMC workers were attacked overnight. BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari, in direct contest with Banerjee, criticized her large entourage and alleged her supporters were attempting to intimidate voters. Over 3.2 crore electors are eligible to vote across 41,001 polling stations, with results due on May 4.

TMC MP Mahua Moitra Shares Videos of IPS Officer Dancing at Nightclub Amid West Bengal Poll Row

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra shared videos on X of IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma dancing at a nightclub, calling him a 'Fair and Lovely babua' amid a political row during West Bengal polls. Sharma, deployed as an Election Commission observer for phase two polling, had earlier triggered controversy for a video warning alleged 'troublemakers'. The TMC accused the officer of intimidating party workers and said it would lodge a formal complaint with the EC.

Key candidates list for phase 2 West Bengal polls

PM Modi Prays at Thanthania Kali Temple in Kolkata Ahead of Roadshow Amid West Bengal Polls

PM Narendra Modi prayed at Thanthania Kalibari temple in Kolkata, one of the few Kali temples where meat is offered as prasad, before his roadshow during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections. The visit is being interpreted as a political signal to dispel TMC's projection of BJP as a 'north Indian party' steeped in vegetarianism and uneasy with Bengali food habits. CM Mamata Banerjee has consistently attacked BJP, claiming if elected, the party would curb Bengal's meat-eating traditions.

West Bengal polls: PM woos Matua community, vows to fast-track citizenship

Amit Shah Unveils BJP Manifesto for West Bengal Polls: UCC, Women's Allowance, Security Crackdown Promised

Home Minister Amit Shah outlined BJP's election promises for West Bengal at a Ranaghat rally, including implementation of Uniform Civil Code, ban on triple talaq, ending polygamy, Rs 3,000 monthly for women and unemployed youth, free bus travel for women, and crackdown on cattle smuggling and infiltrators. He criticized previous governments for soft approach to terrorism and highlighted BJP's national security record. Phase I polling recorded 91.78% turnout with Phase II on April 29 and counting on May 4.

Police Find 100 Crude Bombs at TMC Worker's House in Bhangar Ahead of West Bengal Polls

Police recovered approximately 100 crude bombs from the residence of Rafikul Islam, an alleged TMC worker, in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. The discovery was made days before the second phase of assembly elections. The Election Commission issued stern warnings to police officials, stating that officers would face action if explosives or threatening tactics were found in their jurisdictions.

Calcutta High Court Modifies Election Commission's 48-Hour Bike Ban for West Bengal Polls

The Calcutta High Court on Friday struck down the Election Commission's 48-hour blanket ban on motorcycle riding for the second phase of West Bengal assembly elections on April 29. Justice Krishna Rao ruled that pillion riding would be permitted for 12 hours on poll day (6am-6pm) for specific purposes including taking children to/from school, medical emergencies, and family functions. The court upheld the 48-hour ban on motorcycle rallies but found the broader riding restriction unjustified, stating authorities cannot impose blanket restrictions in the name of free and fair polls.

West Bengal Polls: Adhikari Family, Once Mamata Banerjee's Allies, Now Her Arch-Nemesis

The Adhikari family, once key allies of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and instrumental in the Trinamool Congress's rise, have become her 'arch-nemesis'. This political rivalry, fueled by internal party dynamics and strategic shifts, is set to be a central theme in the upcoming 2026 Assembly polls.

West Bengal Polls: The Bitter Rivalry Between Mamata Banerjee and the Adhikari Family

The political alliance between West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and the influential Adhikari family has collapsed, turning former allies into fierce rivals. As the 2026 Assembly polls approach, the Adhikaris lead the BJP's challenge against Banerjee's TMC.

Congress attacks TMC after permission denied for Rahul Gandhi's Kolkata rally ahead of West Bengal polls

Congress launched a sharp attack on the TMC-led West Bengal government after permission was denied for Rahul Gandhi's rally in Kolkata ahead of the first phase of assembly elections. Party sources accused the local police of acting at the behest of the Mamata Banerjee government, calling it "pure political insecurity masked as administration." The West Bengal Congress chief claimed the TMC and BJP were "rattled" by Gandhi's well-attended rallies in Malda and Murshidabad. Meanwhile, state minister Shashi Panja pointed out that the model code of conduct is in place and permission must be sought through the Suvidha Portal 2-7 days in advance. The 294-member assembly will vote in two phases with counting on May 4.

West Bengal polls: 9 arrested after BJP-TMC clash outside Kolkata police station

Political clashes erupted outside Kolkata's Ekbalpur Police Station, leading to the arrest of nine individuals, including BJP and TMC members. The violence, fueled by counter-sloganeering during election campaigning, prompted police intervention and the registration of three FIRs. This incident heightens tensions as West Bengal gears up for crucial Assembly elections.

Fish Becomes Political Prop in West Bengal Elections as BJP Candidates Campaign with Seafood

BJP candidates in West Bengal are campaigning with fish as a prop to appeal to local voters, transforming a culinary staple into political theatre. The practice comes as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warns that the BJP threatens Bengal's fish-and-rice culture, while the party pushes back against claims it will prohibit fish consumption. Fish carries deep cultural significance in Bengal, where 65.7% of people consume it weekly, making it a powerful symbol of identity and belonging.