Bengal Election 2026: Before the West Bengal elections, politics has now directly reached the allegations of “vote versus conspiracy”. Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee has raised serious questions on the election process and claimed that a “major error” has been detected in the voter registration form i.e. Form-6. They allege that all this is happening in broad daylight and its purpose is to influence the elections.

caught stealing in broad daylight
Abhishek Banerjee said, “Theft has been caught. I have tweeted a video in which it is clearly visible that the CEO’s office is filled with boxes of Form-6. Theft is taking place in broad daylight.” He claimed that around 30,000 forms were submitted in a single day, which allegedly did not belong to the voters of Bengal. According to him, under the rules of the Election Commission, no person can submit more than 50 Form-6, then how such a large number of forms were submitted is a big question.

Same game in Bengal also?
Taking the allegation further, Abhishek said, “This is how BJP won in Maharashtra and Haryana. Votes were stolen in Delhi. Now there is an attempt to do the same in Bengal.” He has also demanded the Election Commission to make the CCTV footage public.

Clash over SIR too
TMC’s allegation is not limited to Form-6 only. The party says that names of voters have been removed on a large scale through Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev said, “ECI and BJP together have created an environment which looks like an emergency. Names of lakhs of voters have been removed from the list.” According to the data, after SIR, the number of voters in Bengal decreased from 7.66 crore to about 7.04 crore, i.e. there was a change in more than 61 lakh names.

BJP’s counterattack, ‘it’s all politics’
BJP has given a strong reaction to these allegations. Party leader Rahul Sinha said, “So far only 30,000 people have responded, why are they scared of this? Bring some proof. These people are doing this only to take political advantage… They have accepted defeat even before the elections.” Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also accused TMC of creating an atmosphere of “fear and pressure” in the state.
Now everyone’s eyes are on what stand the Election Commission takes in this whole matter. TMC is talking about going to the Supreme Court, while BJP is calling it “political drama”.

These incidents have happened at a time when voting is to be held in the state on April 23 and 29 and the results will be declared on May 4. This time the main contest in the 294-seat assembly is believed to be between the ruling TMC and BJP. In the last elections held in 2021, TMC had registered a big victory with 213 seats, while Congress and Left parties could not even open their accounts. Before the voting, this dispute is showing signs of deepening and the continuous violence has made the election environment more sensitive.

BJP’s enthusiasm is high after the recent victory in Bihar. After the victory in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly said that now ‘Jungle Raj’ has to be ended in Bengal. Consecutive victories in Bihar, Maharashtra, Haryana and Delhi have given new impetus to the party. Now everyone’s eyes are on the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Bengal has become not just a state for the BJP, but the biggest test of prestige and expansion – just like Bihar was. How has been the performance of BJP in Bengal so far? Why is Bengal’s victory important for BJP? Why is winning Bengal not as easy as Bihar? Let us know in the explainer…

Question 1: How has been BJP’s journey in Bengal so far?

answer: After independence, assembly elections were held for the first time in West Bengal in 1952. BJP was formed in 1980, but BJP could not form government even once in 46 years. However, after the Modi wave in 2014, the condition of the party definitely changed:

• In 2015, BJP had only 2 MPs in West Bengal and not even one MLA.
• In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the party won 18 out of 42 seats.
• In the 2021 assembly elections, BJP won a record 77 seats with 38% vote share. Trinamool Congress (TMC) got 48% votes and 215 seats. BJP sat in opposition.
• After that, due to the defection of some MLAs, the strength of BJP decreased a bit, but the party did not accept defeat. Today the contest in Bengal is clearly between the two main parties – BJP and TMC.
• Mamata Banerjee became the Chief Minister of Bengal in 2011. Since then, it has defeated BJP in 6 assembly and Lok Sabha elections i.e. 2011, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2024.

Question 2: How close is BJP to forming government in 2026?

answer: In the 2021 elections, BJP lost 38 seats by a margin of just 5% and 75 seats by a margin of 10%. Meaning, even a small vote swing can bring a large number of seats. Election experts say that if BJP gets only 5% of TMC’s votes, its total seats will be 75+77 i.e. around 152. 148 seats are required for majority in West Bengal, which means BJP can form the government by becoming the largest party.

On the other hand, anti-incumbency, unemployment, local discontent and allegations of corruption among TMC leaders have made the path more difficult for Mamata Banerjee’s party.

Question 3: Why is it so important for BJP to win Bengal?

answer: Political expert Rashid Kidwai says that winning Bengal has become a do or die situation for BJP, there are 5 big reasons for this…

1. Brand Modi now stronger: After Bihar victory, Modi’s stature has increased further. Coordination within the party and with RSS has also improved. The promise of ending ‘Jungle Raj’ in Bengal is no longer just an election slogan but a question of the credibility of Brand Modi.

2. BJP’s expansion in Eastern India: By winning Bengal, BJP will strengthen its hold in the East. As of now, BJP, which is strong in the North and West, is battling a strong regional party like TMC in the East. Capture of Bengal will give a new dimension to the image of BJP in the entire country.

3. Direct chance of power in 2026: In the 294-seat assembly, 152 seats are more than the majority. Government can be formed only with 5% vote swing. Losing after coming so close would be a big blow for BJP, while victory would be historic.

4. Direct contest against TMC: There is no alliance in Bengal. BJP is fighting TMC alone. Victory here does not just mean seats, but also the end of Mamata Banerjee’s 14-year-old rule. This will prove the power of BJP to ‘win alone’.

5. Moral and organizational strength of cadre: Bihar victory has boosted the enthusiasm of the workers. The appointment of a new state president like Sameek Bhattacharya in Bengal is also a step in this direction. The victory of 2026 will give new energy to the entire organization and will completely forget the setback of 2024 Lok Sabha.

Question 4: But will winning Bengal be as easy as Bihar?

answer: No. CSDS professor and election analyst Hilal Ahmed says that Bengal is not as easy as Bihar. Due to the nuances of Bengali identity, culture, history and politics, BJP will have to be careful on the ‘infiltrator’ issue here as this issue is affecting both the Hindu vote banks. TMC capitalizes on cultural sentiments well. Nevertheless, given the strength of anti-incumbency and Modi brand, BJP is in a position to pose the strongest challenge in Bengal today.

Hilal Ahmed says, ‘It was easy for BJP to win Bihar because there was an alliance with JDU and the powerful image of Nitish Kumar was with BJP. The situation is different in Bengal. Here the ruling party has been taking on BJP at every step.

At the same time, political expert Rashid Kidwai says, ‘BJP had won 77 seats in the 2021 elections. In just 10 years, BJP came from 0 to 77 seats. If BJP cuts just a few vote percentages from TMC, then the path to forming the government will be easier. However, this is politics, it cannot be said with certainty on which side the camel will sit.

Bengal is now not just an election for BJP, but a big test. The journey that started in 2015 became stronger in 2019-2021. There is a chance of forming a government in 2026 with 5% vote swing. Bihar’s victory has shown the way. If BJP capitalizes on anti-incumbency with cultural sensitivity, 2026 Bengal could become its biggest victory. This is not just a story of seats, but of making a permanent place for BJP in Eastern India.

Mamata Banerjee Responded To Amit Shah Statement: As the date of West Bengal elections is coming closer, election activity is intensifying in the state. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reacted to the statement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, March 29, in which he had commented on her injury during the 2021 assembly elections. Mamta said that they should see his medical report, in which the seriousness of his injury is clearly recorded.

War of words between Amit Shah and Mamata Banerjee

While issuing a charge sheet against the TMC government, Amit Shah had accused Mamata Banerjee of doing ‘politics of always being a victim’. She had said in her statement that sometimes she talks about her injuries and sometimes curses the Election Commission, but now the people of Bengal have understood her ‘victim card’ politics.

Countering Amit Shah’s statement, Mamata Banerjee said during an election rally, ‘They say that I roam around with a bandage during elections. I have come back from death many times. Go and see the doctor’s report. Mamta further raised the question and said, did you intentionally hurt my leg in the 2021 elections? I campaigned sitting on a wheelchair. Are you planning to kill me?’

Also reacting to the talk of issuing a charge sheet against her government, Mamata Banerjee said that they should issue a charge sheet for their ‘old deeds’. However, during this time he did not take the name of Amit Shah.

Mamta Banerjee targeted Amit Shah

Mamata Banerjee targeted Amit Shah, referring to the deportations as part of the action against illegal Indian immigrants by the Donald Trump administration in America last year. He said, ‘When Gujaratis were being sent back to India from America with a rope tied around their waist, where were you?

In that election rally, Mamata Banerjee described herself as a ‘candidate’ for all the seats and appealed to the public to repose trust in her. He said, ‘You don’t need to see who the candidate is. I am the only candidate. Trust me and vote.

Election Commission of India (Election Commission of India) Has announced the dates for the assembly elections to be held in 2026. This time elections are going to be held in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. Voting will be held in all the states between April 9 and April 29, while the counting of votes will be done simultaneously on May 4.

Voting in two phases in West Bengal Assembly elections

Most of the attention is on West Bengal, where voting is going to be held in two phases for the 294-seat assembly. The first phase will be held on 23rd April and the second phase will be held on 29th April. The election contest here is considered to be very interesting.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s party Trinamool Congress has decided to field candidates on 291 seats, while 3 seats have been left for ally Gorkha Janmukti Morcha. Mamata Banerjee herself will contest from Bhabanipur seat, which is considered her strong seat.

BJP also released the list of candidates

Bharatiya Janata Party has also released the lists of its candidates in West Bengal. The first list included 144 names, while some new candidates have been announced in the subsequent list. It is clear from this that the competition is going to be tough this time in the state.

Questions raised regarding West Bengal voter list

Meanwhile, controversy has also come to light regarding the voter list. Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has alleged that names of real voters are being removed from the list in the name of special process i.e. SIR. The political atmosphere on this issue has become more heated before the elections.

When will elections be held in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry?

Voting will be held in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry in a single phase on April 9. The nomination process has been completed in Assam and 776 candidates are in the fray. Voting will be held in Tamil Nadu on 23rd April, for which the last date of nomination has been kept as 6th April.

Assembly election results on 4th May

These elections to be held in five states are considered very important for the politics of the country. Especially in West Bengal, there will be a direct contest between the ruling party and the opposition. The results on May 4 will make it clear to whom the public hands over the keys to power.

The bugle for Bengal Assembly elections 2026 has been sounded. The Election Commission has announced the dates in the state on Sunday. Elections are to be held in two phases in the state. Last time the election program was conducted here in 8 phases. In such a situation, it is believed that holding elections in two phases may prove difficult for the current Chief Minister of Bengal Mamata Banerjee. Voting will take place on 294 seats here. The first phase of voting will be held on 23rd April and the second phase of voting will be held on 29th April. Apart from this, election results will come on May 4. TMC may face a tough competition from BJP in this election.

Mamata Banerjee is facing many problems in the state: Experts

Elections in two phases may prove difficult for Mamata Banerjee. Experts believe so. Senior journalist Prabhakar Mani Tiwari said That this election is already a challenge for Mamata Banerjee. She is struggling with many problems. In this state, he has been the Chief Minister for the last 15 years and the TMC government is looking after the governance system of this state. Naturally, anti-establishment or anti-establishment wave has increased in the state.

However, Mamata Banerjee had criticized the elections in 8 phases last year. But then he got the benefit of only 8 phases. He got a chance to take his system from here to there. This time when the full bench of the Election Commission had come, all the parties had demanded elections in two phases. But TMC did not say a single word on this issue. This is a challenge for Mamata, because elections are being held on so many seats simultaneously. Elections will be held on 152 and 142 seats separately in two phases at a gap of 6 days, it is going to be difficult for them to hold elections on so many seats simultaneously.

Mamata Banerjee in election mode for several months: Experts

Other than this Senior journalist Aadesh Rawal said It is said that Mamata Banerjee has been in election mode for several months. How there was a fight between ED vs Police in the state in the last few days. After this the same former DGP was sent to Rajya Sabha. But BJP faces a challenge in the state. Meaning the entire election is Modi-Amit Shah vs Mamata Banerjee. BJP does not have any local leader whose stature can be equal to Mamata Banerjee.

He said that the phase is a technical issue. Its advantage or disadvantage will be understood later. Apart from this, compared to 8 phases, the difference between two phases of elections will be visible after voting and counting. Last year also, BJP had fought the elections aggressively against Mamata Banerjee. The special thing about BJP is that BJP contests elections till the results are not declared. Here, Mamata Banerjee is a leader of the India alliance, who is known for her fighting spirit. He has the ability to fight against BJP. Similarly, when the results of Bihar elections came, the discussion has started since then whether BJP will be able to defeat Mamata Banerjee in the elections? Mamata Banerjee is the only leader who plays on BJP’s pitch and gives them a tough competition. There will be loss in two phases, there will be benefit in this, this is a different topic. But politically, Mamata Banerjee is going to give a tough competition to BJP.

Also read: Election Dates 2026: Elections in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry on April 9, see full election schedule of five states including Bengal.

The Election Commission has announced the election dates of the upcoming five states including West Bengal on Sunday. Elections will be held in Bengal in 2 phases instead of 8 phases. The first phase notification will be issued on March 30. For this, candidates can file their nominations till 6th April. Withdrawal of nominations will be allowed on 9th April. Voting for the first phase will take place on April 23.

Notification for the second phase will be issued on April 2. Nominations will be filed by April 9. Nominations for the second phase can be withdrawn till April 13. Apart from this, the second phase of voting will take place on April 29. The counting of electoral votes will take place on 4th May 2026, with this the elections in the states will be completed on 6th May 2026. Voting will be held on 294 assembly seats in the state. With the announcement of election dates, the code of conduct has now been implemented in the state. Addressing the press conference, Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has said that strict action will be taken against those who commit political violence.

What has the Election Commissioner said regarding election security arrangements?

Apart from this, Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the Commission will strengthen transparency and monitoring in the voting process. 100 percent webcasting facility will be provided in all polling stations during the 2026 assembly elections in all states and one union territory. During the press conference, the Election Commissioner said that the foundation of any democracy is a transparent voter list. For this purpose, a special thorough revision is being done under Article 326 of the Constitution. This can ensure the voting rights of eligible voters. He said that I congratulate everyone involved in this work including booth level officers, Assistant Voter Registration Officers, Voter Registration Officers, District Election Officers for ensuring smooth operation and completion of this work.

How were the election results of 2021?

Earlier, in the Bengal Assembly elections held in the year 2021, TMC had become the largest party on 294 seats and had won power in the state. In that election, TMC won 213 seats and Mamata Banerjee became the Chief Minister for the third consecutive time. Apart from this, BJP had won the title of main opposition party by hoisting the flag on 77 seats. At that time BJP had got 38 percent votes of the entire state. Whereas TMC’s vote percentage was 48. In such a situation, this time a tough contest can be seen between BJP and TMC in the state.

During President Draupadi Murmu’s visit to Bengal, CM Mamata Banerjee did not come to receive him, due to which politics has now heated up in the country. The President called Murmu CM Mamta as his younger sister and expressed surprise at her not arriving to welcome him. On this, TMC Chief gave a sharp reaction that if President Murmu comes during the elections, it will not be possible for me to attend her programs. She said, ‘If you come once a year, I can welcome you, but if you come during elections, it will not be possible for me to attend your programs because I am working for the rights of the people.’

Don’t do politics at the behest of BJP: Mamta

CM Mamata Banerjee said that BJP has resorted to such cheap acts that it is using President Draupadi Murmu to defame West Bengal. He said, ‘Honourable Madam President, we respect you, but do not do politics at the behest of BJP during elections. Why was President Murmu silent when tribals were being tortured in Manipur and other BJP ruled states? You are not aware of the development work done for the tribals of West Bengal.

‘The state government did not try to stop any program’

On President Draupadi Murmu’s statement, TMC Chief said, ‘Before commenting on West Bengal, you should see the situation in BJP ruled states. It is not right to comment only after listening to one political party. He raised the question why the President did not raise questions in the cases of alleged atrocities against tribals in Rajasthan and Maharashtra. He clarified that the state government had not tried to stop any event nor had any connection with that event.

President never thought about minorities: Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, ‘You (President Draupadi Murmu) never thought about the minorities. You did not say anything about Scheduled Castes, Buddhists, Punjabis, Parsis, Jains or even Hindus. You know how to do politics. We don’t know how to do politics. I would ask Derek O’Brien and Sudip Bandopadhyay (both Rajya Sabha MPs) to seek an appointment with Draupadi Murmu and present the work we have done for the tribal people, especially the Santhali people.

CM Mamata Banerjee said, ‘When tribals are subjected to atrocities, why don’t they protest? Why don’t people protest when this happens in Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh? First do something for them and then say something. Don’t do politics during elections at the behest of BJP.

Former Trinamool Congress leader and Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir has today made a sharp counterattack on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s statement on Babri Masjid. 10 February 2026 Humayun Kabir said that he will definitely build a mosque replica of Babri Masjid in Murshidabad and no one can stop him. He directly challenged Yogi Adityanath and said, ‘I will build a mosque, if you can stop me then stop me.’ This controversy has intensified before the assembly elections in West Bengal, where communal issues have started heating up again.

Humayun gave open challenge to CM Yogi

Humayun Kabir told news agency ANI in Murshidabad that this is not Lucknow or Uttar Pradesh, this is Bengal and Mamata Banerjee rules here. He said that under the Indian Constitution, Muslims also have the right to build a mosque, just like others build temples or churches. Humayun Kabir announced that he had laid the foundation of the mosque on 6 December 2025, on the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri structure, and now the construction work will start from 11 February 2026. He said that around 1,200 people will start the work at 10 am while reading the Quran. Humayun challenged Yogi that if he has to be stopped, then he should do so, but he is not afraid and will not accept any pressure.

#WATCH | Murshidabad, West Bengal: On UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s statement, former TMC leader and Jan Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir says, “…Let Yogi Adityanath speak. It is Mamata Banerjee who is the CM of Bengal. Constitution of India provides me the right to build a mosque;… https://t.co/Uc31T5GglP pic.twitter.com/KdOB2mdcYr

— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2026

Babri Masjid will not be built till Doomsday: Yogi

Yogi Adityanath gave a very strict statement regarding the Babri structure in a meeting in Barabanki today. He said that the reconstruction of Babri Masjid will not happen even till the day of doomsday, because the day of doomsday will never come. Yogi said that those who are dreaming of doomsday, they will rot within no time and their dream will never be fulfilled. Referring to the Ram temple, he said that we had promised that Ram Lala would come and build the temple there, today the temple has been built there.

CM Yogi also targeted opportunists and those doing politics in the name of Ram. He said that Lord Ram has forgotten such people and those who opened fire on Ram devotees will find no place. Yogi also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hoisting of the saffron flag in Ayodhya and said that it shows the strength of Sanatan Dharma.

Controversy related to 1992 Babri Masjid incident

This dispute is related to the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992, when kar sevaks demolished the structure. The Supreme Court had ruled in 2019 that a Ram temple would be built there and the Sunni Waqf Board would be given 5 acres of land elsewhere. Ram temple has been inaugurated in 2024. Humayun Kabir was earlier in Trinamool Congress, but later got suspended and formed his own party. He said that this is his personal decision and a constitutional right. After Yogi’s statement, Hindu organizations have also protested and posters have been put up at some places that he will reach Murshidabad.

Elections are near in West Bengal, so this issue is increasing political tension. Humayun Kabir says that everyone in Bengal has rights under the Constitution and Yogi cannot do anything here. Yogi’s statement is going to strengthen BJP’s Hindutva policy. There may be more statements and protests on this in the coming days.

Opposition parties in the Lok Sabha have today given notice of no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla. This notice has been given under the leadership of Congress and it has signatures of about 118 to 119 MPs. The opposition alleges that the Speaker is being biased and is not giving the opposition MPs a chance to speak. Due to this, there has been an uproar in the Parliament for several days and the proceedings of the House are being adjourned again and again.

How was the notice issued against the Lok Sabha Speaker?

This notice has been given under Article 94 of the Constitution and Rule 200 of the Lok Sabha. It has been signed by MPs from parties like Congress, Samajwadi Party and DMK. But Trinamool Congress (TMC) did not sign this notice. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also did not sign this notice, even though he is the leader of the opposition.

After receiving the notice, Speaker Om Birla said that the Lok Sabha Secretariat will investigate this notice and take further action as per the rules. He has given instructions to process it as soon as possible. But the opposition says that this step is necessary to protect democracy, because the speaker’s attitude is suppressing the opposition.

What happens after notice against Lok Sabha Speaker?

1. Scrutiny of Notice: First of all the Lok Sabha Secretariat will check this notice. If it is found correct as per the rules, it will be accepted. In this, signatures of at least 50 MPs are required, which has been completed here.

2. Bringing the Motion to the House: If the notice is accepted, the Speaker or Deputy Speaker will bring it for debate in the House. The Speaker himself cannot preside over this debate, so the Deputy Speaker or any other member will sit in the chair.

3. Discussion and Voting: This proposal will be discussed in the House. Voting will take place after this. To pass the proposal, a simple majority (at least 272 votes) of the total membership of the House is required. At present the NDA alliance has the majority, so the chances of the proposal being passed are less. But if passed, the speaker will have to leave his post.

4. Time Limit: Generally, action should be taken on such notice within 14 days, but it depends on the situation in the House. If the House is running, it could happen soon.

This is not the first time such a step has been taken against the Speaker, but success is rare because the ruling party has the majority. This step of the opposition is mainly to draw attention and put pressure on the attitude of the speaker.

What is the whole matter?

Tension has increased in the Lok Sabha for the last few days between the opposition MPs and the ruling party. The opposition says that Speaker Om Birla did not allow him to speak on important issues. Rahul Gandhi did not get a chance to speak, due to which there was a lot of noise in the House. The opposition accused the Speaker of showing inclination towards the ruling party and suspending opposition MPs. In this anger, today at 1:14 pm, Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi, Mohammad Javed and K Suresh have submitted this notice to Lok Sabha Secretariat General Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh.