The high-voltage campaign for the West Bengal assembly elections came to a close on Thursday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi releasing an open letter and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee holding a roadshow in Kolkata. The final phase of voting is scheduled for April 29.
PM Modi's Open Letter
In his open letter, PM Modi appealed to the voters of West Bengal, urging them to vote for a 'Sonar Bangla' (Golden Bengal) and reject the 'politics of violence and corruption'. He wrote, 'The people of Bengal have the power to change the course of history. I urge you to vote for a government that will ensure development, peace, and prosperity.' The letter was widely circulated on social media and printed in local newspapers.
Mamata Banerjee's Roadshow
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee, the incumbent Chief Minister and leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), took out a massive roadshow in Kolkata, covering areas like Shyambazar, Hatibagan, and College Street. Addressing supporters, she said, 'We have fought against the BJP's divisive politics. Now, we need to defeat them at the ballot box.' The roadshow saw a huge turnout, with supporters waving party flags and chanting slogans.
Campaign Highlights
The campaign for the eight-phase West Bengal elections, which began on March 27, was marked by intense political rivalry, allegations of violence, and a focus on issues like caste, religion, and development. Key highlights included:
- PM Modi's Rallies: The Prime Minister addressed over 20 rallies across the state, targeting the TMC over corruption and law and order.
- Mamata's 'Didi Ke Bolo' Campaign: The TMC chief held numerous 'Didi Ke Bolo' (Tell Didi) meetings, where she directly interacted with voters.
- BJP's 'Bangla Bachao' Campaign: The BJP focused on issues like infiltration, corruption, and the need for a change in government.
- Violence and Controversies: Several incidents of violence were reported, including clashes between party workers and attacks on political leaders.
Final Phase Voting
The eighth and final phase of voting will cover 35 constituencies in the districts of North 24 Parganas, Nadia, and Kolkata. Over 80 lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes. The results will be announced on May 2.
As the campaign ended, both the BJP and TMC expressed confidence in their victory. The BJP hopes to capitalize on the Modi wave, while the TMC aims to retain power for the third consecutive term.
