Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared the impending defeat of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections. Addressing rallies in North 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts, and a roadshow in Kolkata on Sunday, April 26, 2026, Modi asserted that the first phase of polling had "shattered" the TMC's arrogance and that subsequent rounds would solidify a BJP victory. He characterized the large turnout at his Bangaon rally as a "clear and decisive signal" of the TMC's impending downfall.
Campaign Trail Buzzes with Strong Rhetoric
Modi's campaign appearances have been marked by sharp critiques of the TMC, focusing on alleged corruption and misrule. During his address in Bangaon, the Prime Minister explicitly stated that the TMC's defeat was "imminent." He has also accused the party of potentially releasing fake AI-generated videos and has targeted its leadership with terms such as 'T for Terror, M for Mafia Raj, C for Corruption'.
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Further bolstering the BJP's electoral narrative, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has echoed similar sentiments, projecting a BJP government for "Anga, Banga, Kalinga" within the month. Shah has also leveled accusations against the TMC regarding the construction of a mosque in West Bengal, drawing parallels to the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
Focus on Key Demographics and Electoral Practices
Modi's rallies, particularly one in Thakurnagar, a Matua community stronghold, underscore the BJP's strategic outreach. The Prime Minister's itinerary included visiting the community's temple, signaling an effort to court the influential Matua vote bloc.
In parallel, the BJP has defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, dismissing TMC's objections as born from "fear of defeat." This move comes amidst claims by the TMC that the SIR process was designed to reduce voter numbers, a point that has also been contested by other parties, with the DMK in Tamil Nadu slamming the "record polling" claim and suggesting the SIR reduced the voter base.
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Broader Electoral Landscape and Polling Schedule
The West Bengal elections are part of a larger multi-state electoral exercise, with polling dates announced for Assam (April 9), Puducherry (April 9), Kerala (April 9), Tamil Nadu (April 23), and West Bengal (April 23 and April 29). The final results for all five states are slated for declaration on May 4, 2026.
Meanwhile, the campaign has seen various political statements, including Mamata Banerjee's pointed remark about the Hooghly River's cleanliness compared to Delhi's Yamuna. The broader election coverage indicates a charged political atmosphere across multiple states, with discussions ranging from voter turnout figures to allegations of electoral malpractice and party manifestos.
