Amit Shah urges record votes for 'Sonar Bangla' as WB Phase 2 polls begin
Synopsis
As West Bengal's final phase of polling began across 142 constituencies, Home Minister Amit Shah's 'Sonar Bangla' appeal collided with ground-level tension in Kolkata — where the Chief Minister's own brother was cautioned by central forces and Congress alleged TMC hooliganism at booths. The high-decibel campaign has met its moment of truth.
Key Takeaways
Amit Shah appealed for record voter turnout on 29 April , urging voters to 'liberate' Bengal from fear, syndicates, and corruption.
Phase 2 polling began at 7 am across 142 constituencies in six districts, including Kolkata .
Kartik Banerjee , brother of CM Mamata Banerjee , was cautioned by central forces for assembling near a polling station beyond permitted numbers in Bhabanipur .
Congress alleged 'hooliganism' by TMC activists at a booth in Rashbehari constituency, South Kolkata .
Kishan Reddy also urged voters — especially youth and first-timers — to participate and choose a 'Viksit Bengal'.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday, 29 April appealed to voters in West Bengal to cast a record number of votes for a 'Sonar Bangla', urging them to 'liberate' the state from what he described as rule of fear, syndicates, and corruption, as the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections got underway. Polling commenced at 7 am across 142 constituencies in six districts, including the state capital Kolkata.
Shah's Appeal to Voters
Taking to social media platform X, Home Minister Shah directed his message specifically at mothers, sisters, and the youth.
Point of View
Congress alleging booth-level intimidation — underscores how deeply entrenched TMC's organisational grip remains. The BJP's top-down messaging from Delhi contrasts sharply with the street-level friction in Kolkata's own backyard. Whether high-decibel national leadership appeals translate into booth-level outcomes in a state with a history of poll-day muscle will be the defining question when results arrive.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Sonar Bangla' appeal by Amit Shah?
Home Minister Amit Shah urged West Bengal voters on 29 April to cast a record number of votes for a 'Sonar Bangla' — a golden Bengal — as part of BJP's campaign to unseat the ruling TMC. He called on voters, especially women and youth, to 'liberate' Bengal from fear, syndicates, and corruption.
How many constituencies are voting in West Bengal Phase 2?
The second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections covers 142 constituencies across six districts, including the state capital Kolkata. Polling began at 7 am on 29 April.
What happened in Bhabanipur during Phase 2 polling?
Central forces cautioned Kartik Banerjee, the brother of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, for assembling near a police station with more companions than permitted. He was warned not to gather near a polling station with more than four persons at a time.
What did Congress allege in the Rashbehari constituency?
Congress alleged that TMC activists were preventing its booth agents from entering a polling booth in the Rashbehari Assembly constituency in South Kolkata, calling the incident 'hooliganism' by the ruling party.
Who are the key candidates in the Bhabanipur constituency?
The Bhabanipur seat features a direct contest between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of the TMC and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, making it one of the most closely watched constituencies of this election.
