Kolkata, India — April 26, 2026
Senior opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal arrived in Kolkata late Saturday to campaign in support of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ahead of the crucial final phase of the state assembly elections.
Kejriwal’s visit comes as part of a broader push by the INDIA alliance to consolidate opposition support against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in what is shaping up to be a closely contested election.
High-Stakes Final Phase on April 29
Voting for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is scheduled for April 29, 2026, covering 142 seats across Kolkata and southern districts. The state has a 294-member विधानसभा, making this phase critical in determining the final outcome.
The first phase, held on April 23, recorded a high voter turnout of 92.88%, according to the Election Commission, reflecting strong public participation.
Opposition Push Intensifies
Kejriwal’s entry into the campaign is being viewed as a strategic move to strengthen opposition unity. His outreach is expected to focus on urban voters, governance issues, and concerns such as voter list revisions.
He is also likely to highlight governance models from Delhi and Punjab, aiming to connect with middle-class and professional voters in Kolkata.
Other opposition leaders, including Hemant Soren and Tejashwi Yadav, have already campaigned in support of Banerjee, signaling coordinated efforts among alliance partners.
BJP Asserts Confidence
The BJP, meanwhile, has expressed confidence in its performance. Senior leaders, including Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, have claimed that the party has gained an advantage in the first phase.
BJP president Nitin Nabin said the party’s support base in West Bengal has expanded. He also criticized Kejriwal during campaign remarks, highlighting political rivalry between the parties.
War of Words Escalates
Amid the heated campaign, Banerjee announced plans to pursue legal action against Amit Shah over remarks she described as inappropriate and inflammatory.
She said such statements were not befitting a Union Home Minister and asserted that intimidation tactics would not influence voters in West Bengal.
What Lies Ahead
With voting set for April 29 and counting scheduled for May 4, all eyes are now on the final phase, which is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the political future of the state.
The contest between the BJP and TMC remains tight, with opposition unity and voter turnout likely to be key factors in the outcome.
