Mamata Banerjee Kicks Off Campaign from Bhawanipur Ahead of West Bengal Polls

Kolkata, March 2026 : With the state Assembly elections approaching, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has formally launched her election campaign from her home turf, Bhawanipur, signalling an intense political battle in the coming weeks. Addressing party workers at a बैठक in the constituency, she called for unity, vigilance, and a strong grassroots push to retain power.

The meeting was attended by senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, including National Secretary Abhishek Banerjee and Minister Firhad Hakim. According to party sources, the Chief Minister urged workers to remain alert in light of recent administrative changes, particularly the transfer of over 50 police officers by the Election Commission of India.

The TMC has rolled out its Bhawanipur campaign slogan, “Unnayan Ghar Ghar, Gharer Meye Bhawanipur-e,” emphasising development and Banerjee’s identity as the “daughter of the soil.” Party insiders revealed that she will expand her campaign to North Bengal starting March 24, addressing rallies at key locations such as Alipurduar, Matigara, and Mainaguri. On March 25, she is scheduled to campaign in South 24 Parganas.

Meanwhile, the political contest is heating up with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari expressing confidence about defeating Banerjee in Bhawanipur. Campaigning in Nandigram, Adhikari said he was hopeful that voters in Bhawanipur would support him, just as Nandigram voters had in the 2021 elections, where he defeated Banerjee by a narrow margin.

Banerjee, however, struck a strong tone in her address, warning of attempts to disrupt peace and influence voters through money and intimidation. She appealed to the people of West Bengal to remain united and resist any inducements. She alleged that certain forces were attempting to destabilise the state by creating unrest and fostering divisions, possibly with the aim of imposing indirect central control.

Raising concerns over the current political environment, Banerjee remarked that the situation resembled an “undeclared President’s rule,” suggesting that democratic institutions were under pressure. She urged citizens to safeguard democratic values, make informed electoral choices, and ensure that governance remains accountable to the people.

The Bhawanipur seat holds significant political importance for Banerjee. As in the 2021 elections, she is set to contest from this constituency again. After her defeat in Nandigram in 2021, she had regained her position by winning the Bhawanipur by-election following the resignation of TMC MLA Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay.

West Bengal’s Assembly comprises 294 seats, and the 2021 elections were held in eight phases. The TMC secured a decisive victory with 215 seats, returning to power for a third consecutive term, while the BJP won 77 seats.

With both major parties intensifying their campaigns, the upcoming elections are expected to witness a closely watched and high-stakes political contest, with Bhawanipur once again at the centre of the battle.