Kolkata: The political battle for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections has intensified ahead of voting scheduled on April 23 and April 29, with top leaders stepping up their campaigns across the state.
After a series of rallies and roadshows by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has now entered the electoral fray, adding a new dimension to the contest.
Rahul Gandhi began his campaign in West Bengal on Tuesday with back-to-back rallies in Malda and Raiganj (Uttar Dinajpur), marking his return to Malda after seven years. His entry comes after focusing on Kerala and holding a few rallies in Assam.
The key question now is whether Rahul Gandhi’s rallies will split votes for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) or disrupt the electoral calculations of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Analysts believe his presence could turn the election into a multi-cornered contest.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held around eight rallies across key districts including Katwa, Jangipur, Murshidabad, Siliguri, Malda, North Dinajpur, Birbhum, and Kushmandi. His campaign has focused on allegations of corruption under TMC rule, promises under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and financial assistance schemes for women voters.
Rahul Gandhi, in his speeches, has targeted both the BJP and the TMC government led by Mamata Banerjee. He has accused the BJP of divisive politics while also criticizing the state government over governance issues, aiming to attract minority and secular voters.
Political observers suggest that Modi’s rallies have created momentum for the BJP, while Rahul Gandhi’s entry could fragment the traditional vote bank of the TMC. This scenario may pose a greater challenge for Mamata Banerjee, especially if minority voters shift towards Congress or other parties.
The BJP remains optimistic about crossing the majority mark of 148 seats, banking on aggressive campaigning by leaders like Amit Shah along with Modi’s outreach.
As the campaign enters its final phase, the contest in West Bengal appears far from one-sided. Rahul Gandhi’s entry has added fresh energy to a battle between Modi’s “double-engine development” narrative and Mamata Banerjee’s appeal to Bengali identity.
The final outcome, to be declared on May 4, will determine whether voters opt for change or continue to place their trust in the incumbent leadership.
