Assembly Election 2026 highlights: Amit Shah vows safer nights in Bengal, targets Mamata; Rahul frames ideology battle

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said the upcoming phase of polling on the 29th is “not just about forming a government” but about the security of the nation. Addressing voters, he urged them to come out in support of the BJP in large numbers.

Adhikari invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global standing, saying people across the world trust his leadership and guarantee.

Nitin Nabin criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him the “most immature politician”. He also reacted to leaders leaving AAP for the BJP, saying dissatisfaction with Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership is driving exits.

Nabin said leaders want to join the BJP to work with Narendra Modi, framing it as a shift towards development-focused politics.

BJP national leader Nitin Nabin said the party will form the government with an absolute majority, claiming voters have decided to remove the TMC from power. 

Speaking in Hooghly, he said high voter turnout reflects trust in the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He added that “hooliganism” under TMC rule would end on 4 May, signalling a strong push for change.

BJP candidate Krishna Ghosh alleged that a planned TMC public meeting in Katwa was called off after their own rally, claiming the ruling party anticipated poor turnout. 

She said the mood on the ground reflects a desire for change in Bengal.

Ghosh also targeted sitting MLA Rabindranath Chatterjee, saying he has held the seat for six terms but “has not done any work”.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said growing public support signals it is time to “bid farewell” to Mamata Banerjee on 4 May. 

Addressing a rally in Shyampur, he promised Rs 3,000 monthly assistance for women if the BJP comes to power.

Shah alleged women’s safety has worsened under TMC rule and said a BJP government would ensure security and empowerment from “the 5th”.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that TMC leaders are involved in corruption, saying this is widely known across Bengal.

Speaking in Kolkata, he claimed the BJP does not target Mamata Banerjee directly because its “real fight” is with Congress.

Gandhi also accused the BJP of manipulating elections in states like Maharashtra and Haryana, alleging “vote theft”.

BJP national leader Nitin Nabin said public trust in the party is rising across West Bengal, citing strong momentum after the first phase of polling. 

Leading a roadshow in Ashoknagar, he claimed people want to move beyond “fear of TMC’s terror”.

He predicted the TMC would be “decimated”, saying the BJP’s lotus symbol would prevail when results are announced on May 4.

TVK Joint General Secretary C T R Nirmal Kumar said the Tamil Nadu election reflects a strong demand for change after decades of DMK and AIADMK dominance. 

Speaking in Chennai, he claimed voters, including many returning from abroad, see this as a decisive moment.

He said supporters view Vijay as the only leader capable of delivering change, adding that anticipation is high as the state awaits results.

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee alleged that the BJP would “not leave a chance to inflame the whole of Bengal”, warning of attempts to create unrest during the polls. Speaking in Bhangar, he positioned the TMC as focused on stability and inclusive governance.

Banerjee assured that once the TMC returns to power for a fourth term, all eligible people would be included in the electoral roll within a month.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that “goons will no longer remain in Bengal”, warning that those who do would either be in jail or “upar honge”. 

Addressing a rally, he promised a firm crackdown on crime and a stronger law and order framework.

Singh also pledged fair prices for farmers, employment for youth, and a push to improve roads and overall infrastructure across the state.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah claimed the BJP would secure a commanding lead in the first phase, saying the party would “sweep 110 seats”, leaving Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with little ground. Speaking at a public rally, he projected strong momentum for the BJP.

Shah added that on 4 May, the party would celebrate victory by offering Prime Minister Narendra Modi Bardhaman’s traditional sita bhog.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday placed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the same bracket, accusing both of prioritising the rich while seeking power. 

Addressing a rally in Serampore, Hooghly, he said neither leadership is focused on creating jobs.

Gandhi alleged that despite claims of patriotism, policies are not benefiting ordinary people, sharpening his attack on both BJP and TMC.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday placed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the same bracket, accusing both of prioritising the rich while seeking power. Addressing a rally in Serampore, Hooghly, he said neither leadership is focused on creating jobs.

Gandhi alleged that despite claims of patriotism, policies are not benefiting ordinary people, sharpening his attack on both BJP and TMC.

Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging he makes “big claims” but is influenced by global leaders like Donald Trump. 

He claimed a recent trade deal with the US compromised India’s agriculture, small and medium industries, and energy security.

Gandhi also alleged that sensitive national data was handed over, saying no prime minister would take such steps without pressure.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the country is witnessing a fight between two ideologies, one led by the Congress rooted in the Constitution, unity and brotherhood, and the other by the BJP driven by hatred, violence and arrogance.

He accused the RSS-BJP of spreading division across communities, contrasting it with Congress’ ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, which he said aimed to counter hate with unity.
 

After campaigning in Khardaha for TMC candidate Devdeep Purohit, Tejashwi Yadav said public support indicates a “resounding majority” for Mamata Banerjee.

On AAP leader Raghav Chadha’s reported move to BJP, Yadav said some people “compromise”, adding the switch may have been driven by “fear or greed”.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav expressed confidence that Mamata Banerjee will return as chief minister for a fourth consecutive term, as he joined TMC roadshows across Jagaddal, Bhatpara and Khardaha.

In a post on X, Yadav pointed to enthusiastic crowds backing candidates Amit Gupta and Somnath Shyam, calling it a sign of strong public support.
 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the ongoing contest in West Bengal is a fight between two opposing ideologies, unity and brotherhood versus hatred and violence. Addressing a rally in Hooghly, he positioned Congress as the defender of social harmony.

Gandhi accused the BJP-RSS of dividing society, pitching the election as a broader ideological battle beyond state politics.

At a poll rally, Amit Shah accused the TMC government of refusing to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He urged voters to bring the BJP to power in West Bengal to ensure citizenship rights for members of the Matua community.

The pitch signals BJP’s continued focus on CAA as a key electoral plank in the state.