Mamata, Rajnath, Nadda, Yogi Lead High-Voltage Bengal Campaigns

Election campaigning has intensified in West Bengal ahead of the first phase of the Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, with major political parties stepping up outreach efforts across the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has deployed senior leaders and chief ministers from BJP-ruled states for extensive campaigning. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh campaigned in Birbhum district, while BJP president J. P. Nadda held rallies in Bankura and Purulia. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed a rally in Garbeta.

Mamata Banerjee, chief of the All India Trinamool Congress, continued her statewide campaign and addressed a rally in Khardaha, North 24 Parganas, where she criticised the BJP over the women’s reservation bill.

The Indian National Congress also intensified its campaign, with leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge addressing meetings in different parts of the state. Left parties and other regional groups are also actively canvassing.

Key campaign issues include women’s safety, unemployment, reservation, and allegations of political understanding between rival parties.