PM Narendra Modi on Monday expressed strong confidence in the BJP’s prospects in the West Bengal Assembly elections, while CM Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing counterattack, accusing the Centre of bias and raising concerns over election conduct ahead of the second phase of polling.

Addressing a Vijay Sankalp rally in Barrackpore, Modi highlighted his long-standing emotional and spiritual connection with Bengal, describing the state as central to his personal journey.

Modi Signals Confidence in BJP Win, Highlights Emotional Bond with Bengal

“The attachment I have had towards Bengal has been a devotion to Shakti. This has been the energy center of my personal spiritual journey. It has been inspired by Bengal’s great personalities and the immense love of the people, the Janata Janardan. The experiences I have had on this land of Bengal, I consider a great blessing upon myself,” PM Modi said.

Calling the Barrackpore event his final rally in the ongoing campaign, the Prime Minister signalled confidence in the BJP forming the government after the results are declared.

“This is my last rally in this election, and wherever I have gone in West Bengal, I have seen the mood of the people. I am returning with the confidence that after the results on May 4, I will have to come back to attend the BJP’s oath-taking ceremony,” he added.

PM Modi also spoke about his interactions with people during the campaign, emphasising the emotional connection he feels through their messages and artwork.

“During the rallies and roadshows in Bengal, I received such heartfelt messages and portraits that I will never forget them. After the events, I take time at night to carefully look at each portrait, reflecting on the emotions expressed by the artists. I also read your messages and letters. In some, I find your pain. In others, I sense your blessings. Later, I make sure my responses are thoughtfully recorded,” he said.

Reflecting on his political journey, Modi underscored his decades-long engagement in public life. “For the past three to four decades, I have been travelling to every corner of the country. After entering politics and joining the BJP, I have worked as a party worker, doing whatever responsibilities the party assigns to me, including handling election duties. I do not consider day or night, nor do I look at the weather; I keep moving. Since I left my home, I have found comfort and peace among all of you, and you are my family,” he added.The Barrackpore constituency is witnessing a triangular contest among the BJP, Trinamool Congress (TMC), and CPI(M), with campaigning intensifying ahead of polling on April 29.CM Mamata Banerjee Targets Centre Over Security Deployment and Election Conduct

Meanwhile, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, addressing rallies in Kolkata, accused the BJP-led Centre of excessive deployment of central forces and questioned its priorities.“Over two lakh central forces have been brought to Bengal along with armoured vehicles used by the Army in Kashmir for a state Assembly poll at the instruction of Modi and Shah. Will they explain where these vehicles and security were when Pakistan-sponsored terrorists sneaked into Pahalgam and gunned down 26 civilians?” she said. She also rejected Modi’s remarks about women’s safety in the state, calling them misleading.

Heated Campaign Peaks as Both Sides Trade Allegations Ahead of Voting

Alleging bias in election management, Banerjee claimed that officials ‘loyal to one party’ had been deployed and warned that their roles would end after the results. “After May 4, these personnel may not be in charge any more,” she said. The Chief Minister urged women voters to remain vigilant during polling and counting.

“Remember, even the central forces will be working under the instructions of the Election Commission. So even at the cost of sacrificing your cooking for two days after voting, keep a close watch on polling booths and counting centres to prevent any tampering of EVMs,” she said. She also cautioned against alleged attempts to influence voters through money distribution and urged people not to fall into what she described as the BJP’s “trap.”

Banerjee further alleged irregularities in electoral roll revisions and criticised opposition parties for not supporting her party’s efforts to restore voter names. “When the names of 60 lakh Hindu voters and 30 lakh Muslim voters were omitted, I had said let us go together to the Election Commission, but none of them came. We went to the Supreme Court and got 32 lakh names restored,” she claimed.

As campaigning heats up, both leaders have sharpened their messaging, with Modi projecting confidence in a BJP victory and Banerjee asserting that her party is on track to secure a decisive mandate. Polling for the second phase will take place on April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.