Assembly Election 2026 Highlights: Kolkata wants BJP' says PM Modi after mega roadshow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Kolkata “repeatedly captivates” him as he praised the turnout at his roadshow in the city.

In a post, he highlighted the participation of women and youth, calling it “exceptional”, and said it reflects support for the BJP and its development agenda. The remarks come as the party seeks to build momentum ahead of the next phase of polling in West Bengal.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee engaged with vegetable vendors in Bhabanipur while campaigning in the constituency on Sunday evening. She was seen speaking with traders and locals, focusing on everyday concerns during her outreach. The interaction is part of her ongoing grassroots campaign as polling approaches in key urban constituencies.

Kolkata Police said a major cache of suspected explosives was recovered from an abandoned house in Majherhat area following a targeted operation based on specific inputs.

The seizure included 79 crude bomb-like objects, along with gunpowder, sulphur, jute ropes and roll caps. The Bomb Disposal Squad assisted in securing the materials, which have been seized as per procedure. Police said further investigation is underway amid heightened poll security.

The Election Commission has ordered that cases related to illegal bomb recoveries and alleged bomb-making activities in West Bengal be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The poll body has also directed West Bengal Police to launch a special drive to identify and arrest those involved in manufacturing explosives. The move comes amid heightened security measures to ensure peaceful polling during the ongoing assembly elections.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, campaigning from Bhabanipur, hit out at the BJP, asking whether it should decide how Bengal is governed.

She questioned the Centre over security arrangements, referring to Pahalgam and alleging lack of response, while contrasting it with heavy deployment in Bengal. Banerjee also accused the BJP of targeting TMC leaders, saying the situation would change after May 4 and urged supporters to stay united.

JP Nadda accused the TMC government of enabling infiltration through “appeasement” and alleged that it failed to cooperate on border fencing over the years.

He said a “double-engine” BJP government would take strict action, claiming that infiltrators would be identified and removed if the party comes to power in West Bengal.

Union Minister JP Nadda said the BJP is seeing strong momentum in West Bengal, claiming that more than 110 out of 152 seats in the first phase are likely to go in the party’s favour.

He said voters are overcoming “fear and intimidation” in the second phase and are backing the BJP, adding that there is visible anger against the TMC government across the state.

Congress leader and Baharampur candidate Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury claimed that the BJP and TMC are “mutually beneficial” to each other in West Bengal politics.

He alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has enabled the BJP’s growth in the state, adding that both parties do not want other political forces to gain space. The remarks come amid sharp exchanges between parties as campaigning intensifies ahead of the next phase of polling.

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has taken suo motu cognisance of an alleged derogatory caste remark by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during an election rally.

The commission has issued notices to the state’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, seeking a detailed report within three days. It said the alleged use of the term falls under provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and warned of action based on the response received.

Abhishek Banerjee hit out at BJP leaders, challenging them ahead of the results on May 4 while asserting confidence in TMC’s performance.

He said the party would increase its winning margins in Diamond Harbour and surrounding constituencies, including Magrahat Purba and Magrahat Paschim, claiming strong grassroots support in these regions.

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee claimed that a “secret meeting” took place between a BJP candidate and an official at a hotel in Diamond Harbour, alleging links between the party and the election machinery.

He said a video of the meeting is in the public domain and that police have initiated a probe. Banerjee also alleged that several police officers were transferred following the incident, questioning the action.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a roadshow in North Kolkata, drawing large crowds as the BJP intensified its campaign ahead of the next phase of polling.

The roadshow followed his visit to Thanthania Kalibari temple, where he offered prayers before hitting the streets. Supporters lined the route as Modi greeted the public, with the BJP aiming to build momentum in key urban constituencies.

PM Modi’s temple visit also spotlighted the rich heritage of Thanthania Kalibari, known for its unique rituals and long history.

Maa Kali is worshipped here as Siddheshwari, and the deity is considered ‘Jagrat’. The temple is also known for its rare tradition of offering non-vegetarian prasad, a practice associated with Ramakrishna Paramahansa and followed by devotees for generations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the historic Thanthania Kalibari temple in Kolkata and offered prayers to Maa Siddheshwari before beginning his roadshow in North Kolkata.

The temple, established in 1703, is among the city’s oldest and most revered Kali shrines. It holds deep spiritual significance, with traditions linked to Ramakrishna Paramahansa, who is believed to have visited frequently and offered prayers here.
 

Arvind Kejriwal appealed to Congress and Left voters to support the TMC in order to defeat the BJP in West Bengal.

He claimed those removed from voter lists could face uncertainty over citizenship and benefits, urging them to mobilise support for Mamata Banerjee. Kejriwal also warned that welfare schemes could be affected if BJP comes to power, intensifying his attack during the campaign.

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, campaigning for TMC candidate Kunal Ghosh in Beliaghata, said the West Bengal elections are a battle to “save India and democracy”.

He questioned the deployment of central forces, asking why personnel from across the country were sent to Bengal. Kejriwal alleged that 27 lakh voters have been deleted from electoral rolls, warning this could impact their rights and access to government welfare schemes.

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, speaking in Kolkata, alleged that the BJP is focusing on “dirty politics” and diverting the election narrative.

He claimed the campaign is being centred around SIR, and said the people of West Bengal will give a “befitting reply” to the BJP leadership. Kejriwal added that voters would act to “save democracy” and defeat the party in the ongoing assembly elections.

Amit Shah said the BJP would deposit Rs 3,000 per month into the accounts of women and unemployed youth if it forms the government in West Bengal.

He also claimed that voter turnout in the first phase indicates strong support for the BJP, asserting that the results so far show momentum building in favour of the party ahead of the remaining phases.

At the Nadia rally, Amit Shah defended the ongoing scrutiny of voter lists, linking it to action against illegal infiltration.

He criticised Mamata Banerjee’s stand on the issue, saying those being removed now are only from electoral rolls, and added that a BJP government would take wider action against infiltrators across the state if voted to power.
 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing a rally in Nadia, said a BJP government in West Bengal would act against “sand mafia, syndicates and organised crime” linked to the ruling TMC.

He warned that any attempt to disrupt voting in areas like Tehatta would face strict action, asserting that law and order would be enforced firmly if the BJP comes to power after May 4.

Campaigning in Kolkata, Arvind Kejriwal called on Congress and Left supporters to vote for the TMC to defeat the BJP in West Bengal.

He warned that BJP coming to power could impact welfare schemes, including financial assistance to women. Kejriwal also accused the Prime Minister of making false promises, stepping up his attack as campaigning intensifies ahead of the next phase.

Arvind Kejriwal alleged that 27 lakh voters have been deleted from the voter list in West Bengal, warning of serious consequences.

He said those removed could face exclusion from welfare schemes and even questions over citizenship. Kejriwal urged affected voters to rally behind Mamata Banerjee and support the TMC in the ongoing assembly elections.
 

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal campaigned for TMC candidate Kunal Ghosh in Beliaghata, framing the Bengal elections as crucial for “saving India and democracy”.

He questioned the deployment of central forces, asking why such heavy presence was needed. Kejriwal also claimed that a large number of voters had been removed from electoral rolls, raising concerns over their rights and future access to government schemes.
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong warning on illegal infiltration while addressing a rally in Bangaon.

He said those staying in Bengal with “fake documents” should leave before April 29, adding that action would follow after May 4. Modi also accused the TMC of opposing the CAA and claimed the party cannot safeguard citizens’ interests.

TMC MP Yusuf Pathan said electoral preferences vary by state, defending his party’s support base in West Bengal.

He said while BJP gets votes in Gujarat due to development, people in Bengal prefer TMC for raising public issues and working on the ground. His remarks come amid intense campaigning and competing claims over governance and voter sentiment in the state.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on the TMC and Congress while crediting the Modi government for strong action against terrorism.

At a rally, Shah cited surgical and air strikes after terror attacks, claiming India is now free from terrorism and Naxalism. He also warned of strict action against “infiltrators”, saying they would be removed from voter lists and expelled from Bengal if BJP comes to power.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he has witnessed growing anger against the ruling TMC, claiming it has now reached its peak across West Bengal.

Referring to his earlier visit to Singur, Modi said the same resentment is visible again, adding that Bengal has made up its mind for change. He said the current political mood reflects a clear resolve among voters in the ongoing assembly elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Bengal is set to witness record voter turnout, citing the heavy polling seen in the first phase on April 23.

Addressing a rally in Haripal, he said the scale of participation has surprised political opponents, adding that even TMC leaders were not expecting such high turnout. Modi suggested the voting trend reflects a shift in public mood ahead of the remaining phases.
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a Vijay Sankalp Sabha in Bangaon, invoked Subhas Chandra Bose to pitch for political change in West Bengal after a strong turnout in phase 1.

Quoting Netaji’s call for sacrifice, Modi urged voters to “give one vote” to BJP, promising to “free” the state from TMC rule. He is scheduled to visit Matua Thakur temple, address rallies in Arambagh, visit Thanthania Kalibari, and hold a roadshow in Kolkata later in the day.

A high-level coordination meeting involving poll officials, police, and central forces reviewed preparedness for the April 29 polling across 142 constituencies.

Senior officials, including the Kolkata Police Commissioner and special observers, assessed deployment strategy and communication systems. The EC said such reviews are being conducted across districts to ensure smooth, peaceful and fear-free voting in the second phase.

State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal has said all polling stations will have CCTV surveillance and central force deployment to ensure free and fair voting in phase 2.

During a visit to Kakdwip, Agarwal urged political parties to encourage voter turnout, stressing that bogus voting and booth capturing will not be tolerated. He also said unauthorised persons will be barred within 100 metres of polling stations to maintain order.

The Election Commission has announced a stringent security blueprint for the second phase of West Bengal assembly polls, warning of strict action against any attempt to disrupt voting.

Constituency-wise deployment has been ordered, with intensified area domination in sensitive pockets. Around 160 CAPF motorcycle units will patrol neighbourhoods for rapid response, with focus on vulnerability mapping, coordination, and visible security presence across 142 constituencies voting on April 29.