West Bengal election 2026 highlights: Amit Shah targets Mamata, says women can step out at 1 am under BJP

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West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday accused the Trinamool Congress of allowing a suspended leader to construct a mosque modelled on the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in West Bengal, asserting that the BJP would not permit its construction “as long as one party worker is alive” in the state.

Addressing a series of poll rallies, Shah also warned of strict action against cattle smuggling, saying that once the BJP comes to power, those involved would face such severe consequences that “their next three generations would not dare” engage in it.

He further sharpened his attack on the government led by Mamata Banerjee, alleging failures in governance, law and order, and employment, and described the upcoming assembly elections as crucial to rid the state of terror, riots and infiltrators.

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Friday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he could enjoy a boat ride on the Hooghly because its waters were clean, unlike the Yamuna in Delhi, which she alleged was polluted.

Addressing an election rally in Howrah, Banerjee said Modi would not be able to take a similar ride on the Yamuna in the national capital due to its condition, blaming the BJP-led administration there.

She added that it was encouraging the prime minister chose to take a boat ride on the Hooghly, highlighting that riverfront areas had been developed and beautified by the state government and civic bodies, including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of “insulting” the reputation of Jadavpur University and misrepresenting its students.

In a post on X, Banerjee wrote, “Hon’ble Mr Prime Minister, pained to ask: is this how you describe the meritorious students of the esteemed Jadavpur University? Is this your concept of decorum and courtesy?”

She pointed out that the university has consistently ranked among the top institutions under the government’s NIRF framework, adding, “You descend to insult that centre of excellence? You stoop so low?”

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Friday claimed that the Trinamool Congress government’s rule in the state is nearing its end, expressing confidence that the BJP will win the ongoing assembly elections.

Addressing a campaign rally in Dum Dum, Bhattacharya described the election as a contest of "people vs Mamata", alleging that voters have decided to remove the TMC from power and bring in a BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guided by the ideals of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.

"For the second phase of the assembly elections, for the seven assembly candidates of the Dum Dum Lok Sabha constituency, the world's most popular political figure, India's Prime Minister Shri Narendra Damodardas Modi, has arrived before you. He who has come to show dreams to the current young generation, he who shows dreams and turns them into reality, he has arrived," he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asserted that after the BJP comes to power in West Bengal, those involved in cattle smuggling and political violence will be dealt with strongly.

Addressing a poll rally at Hingalganj in North 24 Parganas district, Shah also promised welfare measures, including free healthcare, if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal.

"After coming to power, those involved in cow smuggling will be punished so severely that their three generations will not dare to engage in it," Shah said. - PTI

Addressing an election rally in Baruipur area in Jadavpur, PM Modi accused Mamata Banerjee-led party of looting West Bengal for the past 15 years, destroying the state's identity and allowing infiltration that forced many Bengalis to leave their homes in search of opportunities.

He claimed that the first phase of voting a day ago signalled that the TMC might "not even be able to open its account".

“Since the country gained independence, India has never witnessed anything like what the people of Bengal have demonstrated this time. Everywhere, the talk is about the massive support the BJP has received in Bengal.”

Addressing a rally in West Bengal's Jadavpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that "anti-national slogans" are being scrawled on the walls of Jadavpur University's campus, blaming the West Bengal government for 'failing' to save the state's largest educational institution.

"Jadavpur University's name was once taken with respect around the world. This campus was founded on the bedrock of nationalism. But look at the situation here today: threats are being issued inside the campus, anti-national slogans are being scrawled on the walls, and students are being forced to take to the streets in protests instead of focusing on their studies," he said.

"We want an academic atmosphere here, not chaos. We want dialogue here, not threats. A government that cannot save its own state's largest educational institution, how will it save Bengal's future, how will it save the future of Bengal's youth?" he added.

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Friday alleged that a BJP worker was intimidated and threatened at her residence in South Kolkata by ruling TMC supporters, and demanded immediate action from the Election Commission of India.

In a post on X, Adhikari claimed that BJP worker Bina Das was targeted by a group of "goons" who surrounded her house on late Wednesday evening and harassed her for conducting door-to-door campaigning for the party. - PTI

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Modi alleged that women are not safe under the TMC government in West Bengal and claimed that the situation would change if the BJP comes to power. He said that after forming a government in the state, the BJP would ensure strict action and “no one involved in atrocities on women will be spared.”

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: PM Modi said that if BJP came to power, they will make sure that people involved in crimes who are allegedly supported or protected by the TMC government in West Bengal are punished under the law.

“Will ensure that criminals patronised by TMC govt are brought to justice,” he said at a rally in Bengal's Jadavpur.

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: PM Modi, addressing a poll rally in Jadavpur, launched a sharp attack on the TMC, alleging that the party has “destroyed Bengal’s identity” and allowed infiltrators to encroach on land and “snatch people’s livelihoods.”

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Union minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth said the BJP will win West Bengal with a “clear majority,” citing a record 91.91% turnout in phase one. He also attacked the Mamata Banerjee government over law and order, youth migration, and alleged infiltration.

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: CM Mamata Banerjee, speaking at a Bowbazar rally, criticised the BJP and said political events around PM Modi's jhalmuri stopover was “stage-managed” during the campaign. She said security and arrangements were prepared for publicity.

“They said they will eat jhal muri if they win, but I say I will give you bhelpuri from Delhi,” she said.

“They had fitted TV cameras and CCTV cameras earlier with the security. They had prepared jhal muri from home for security concerns and gave ₹10 to the shopkeeper,” she said at the rally.

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Interests of middle class will be paramount for BJP govt in Bengal, said PM at poll rally in Panihati.

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Mamata Banerjee, criticising the BJP's identity politics, sai, “We are habitual of spicy jhal muri, but have you ever tried fish and chicken curry? I eat your dhokla, I eat dosa, I eat litti, I eat thekua, I eat sattu. I eat vermicelli during Eid, and I eat halwa. Don’t teach me religion.”

She also questioned election confidence, saying, “Have they fixed the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)? Otherwise, how can they be so confident about the election?” (ANI)

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Congress MP Rajeev Shukla said Mamata Banerjee claimed to win by a “vast majority” after a 92% voter turnout in the first phase.

“It's surprising and a very good thing that so many people have participated in the voting. Mamata Banerjee is claiming that she is winning with a vast majority. Everyone has their own claims. But such high voter turnout is very important," he told news agency ANI.

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Modi said that after the May 4 election results, “TMC goons” would have nowhere to hide in West Bengal and that no one would be able to protect them. He also said the high turnout in the first phase of polling marked the end of what he called the TMC’s “maha jungle raj.”

"After May 4 results, TMC 'goons' will have nowhere to hide in Bengal, nobody will save them; first phase turnout has ensured end of TMC's 'maha jungle raj'," he said. (PTI)

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Modi congratulated the people of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu for the first phase of polling. He claimed the voting reflected a “wave of change” in Bengal and added that the support seen for the BJP signalled the party’s victory.

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: PM Modi at a rally in Dum Dum, said, “Women power in Bengal is writing a new chapter in the 21st century. Women across the state are saying they will no longer tolerate the situation and will change the TMC government. They allege that the TMC is anti-women, while the BJP follows a model focused on women’s empowerment and development.”

Want to assure sisters of Bengal that women's security will be supreme to us, said Modi.

He also promised “freedom from atrocities on daughters,” corruption, unemployment, migration, and infiltration if voted to power. He assured strict action on crimes against women, especially referencing recent high-profile cases, saying women will “write a new saga” of Bengal’s future under BJP rule.

West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Amit Shah said that the BJP is set to form governments in “Anga, Banga and Kalinga” (referring to Assam, West Bengal and Odisha) after the elections.

He claimed the party will secure an absolute majority in Bengal and praised the high turnout in the first phase, while also alleging the TMC’s exit is imminent.