Battle for Bhawanipur Intensifies as Mamata Banerjee Leads Padayatra Ahead of Crucial Poll

Kolkata, April 2026: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday stepped up her campaign in the high-stakes Bhawanipur Assembly constituency, undertaking a padayatra (foot march) and engaging directly with residents ahead of the second phase of polling scheduled for April 29.

Banerjee, who is seeking re-election from Bhawanipur, walked through key neighbourhoods, drawing large crowds of supporters. The constituency, considered her political stronghold since 2011, has emerged as one of the most closely watched battlegrounds in the 2026 Assembly elections. The Chief Minister is also contesting from Nandigram, where voting took place during the first phase on April 23.

Bhawanipur holds both emotional and political significance for Banerjee, often referred to as the heart of her Kolkata base. The constituency’s diverse demographic composition—including Bengali, Gujarati, Marwari, and Sikh communities—adds complexity to the electoral contest, making outreach efforts crucial for both major contenders.

The primary challenger to Banerjee in Bhawanipur is senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who had famously defeated her in Nandigram during the 2021 Assembly elections. For Banerjee, retaining Bhawanipur is key to maintaining her dominance in Kolkata politics, while for Adhikari, a victory here would mark a significant political upset.

As campaigning entered its final 48 hours, security measures in Kolkata have been significantly intensified. The Election Commission has deployed additional paramilitary forces and enhanced drone surveillance across the Bhawanipur-South Kolkata region to ensure peaceful polling. The heightened vigilance follows a high voter turnout of 92.35% recorded during the first phase, reflecting strong public participation.

Tensions escalated on Saturday during simultaneous rallies held by Banerjee and Adhikari in close proximity. The situation turned contentious on Chakraberia Road when Banerjee abruptly halted her speech and stepped down from the stage. She accused the BJP of deliberately using loudspeakers at a nearby rally to disrupt her address.

Expressing her displeasure, Banerjee apologized to her supporters before leaving the venue. The incident quickly triggered reactions from party workers. Supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) marched toward the BJP rally site, leading to a face-off between the two groups. Slogans of “Jai Bangla” and “Jai Shri Ram” echoed as tensions mounted.

Security forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and local police, swiftly intervened, forming a human chain to prevent escalation. Their timely action helped bring the situation under control before it could turn violent.

Meanwhile, political reactions have continued to pour in from across the country. In Haryana, Minister Anil Vij commented on the high turnout in the first phase, attributing it to a perceived wave in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He described the 92% voter participation as significant and predicted a major political shift in the state.

With polling in Bhawanipur just days away and counting scheduled for May 4, the contest has reached a critical juncture. The constituency remains a focal point of the broader political battle in West Bengal, with both sides intensifying efforts to secure a decisive victory.