West Bengal polls phase 2: BJP's Saraogi backs Modi, slams TMC rule
Synopsis
With 142 seats voting on 29 April, West Bengal's second and final election phase is the bigger half of the contest. BJP Bihar chief Sanjay Saraogi is amplifying Modi's attack on TMC rule, citing infiltration and voter anger, while the ECI's deployment of a UP-cadre IPS officer to TMC stronghold South 24 Parganas adds a sharp operational edge to an already high-stakes vote.
Key Takeaways
BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi backed PM Modi's criticism of the TMC government, saying people of Bengal are in distress under Mamata Banerjee .
The second and final phase covers 142 constituencies across 8 districts , including Kolkata North, Kolkata South, and South 24 Parganas, with polling on 29 April .
The ECI has deployed Ajay Pal Sharma , a 2011-batch IPS officer from the UP cadre, as police observer for South 24 Parganas — an Abhishek Banerjee stronghold.
Saraogi dismissed Tejashwi Yadav's campaign outreach, saying Bihar voters have completely rejected the RJD leader.
Campaigning for phase 2 concluded on Monday, 28 April .
As West Bengal prepares for the second and final phase of its Assembly elections on 29 April, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi on Tuesday endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assessment of the state, asserting that the people of Bengal are in distress under the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
What Saraogi Said About Bengal
Speaking to news agency IANS from Patna, Saraogi said, "The Prime Minister has rightly pointed out that West Bengal is going through a challenging phase. The people of Bengal are in distress under the Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee. Concerns have been raised regarding infiltration issues, which are believed to have impacted demographics and the distribution of resources."
He added that voter anger during the first phase of polling was visible, with residents reportedly turning out in large numbers to express their discontent. Notably, the BJP has made infiltration and law-and-order central planks of its Bengal campaign — a recurring frame the party has deployed across multiple election cycles in the state.
142 Seats, 8 Districts: What Phase 2 Covers
Campaigning for the second phase concluded on Monday, 28 April. A total of 142 constituencies spread across eight electoral districts will go to the polls on 29 April. The districts include Kolkata North, Kolkata South, Howrah, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, and Purba Bardhaman. This phase covers more seats than the first and includes the politically significant Kolkata constituencies.
ECI Deploys UP Cadre IPS Officer as Observer
In a significant operational move, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed Ajay Pal Sharma, a 2011-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre and a native of Ludhiana, as a police observer for South 24 Parganas — a district widely regarded as a stronghold of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee. Sharma is known for his tough policing style and has been associated with several high-risk operations over the years.
Saraogi defended the deployment, stating it falls within standard ECI procedures. "As part of the election process, the Election Commission appoints observers from across the country. He is also an observer who is monitoring the situation on the ground. If any criminal activity is detected or if voters are threatened or intimidated, appropriate action will be taken," he said.
Saraogi on Tejashwi Yadav
Reacting to questions about Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, Saraogi said the people of Bihar have completely rejected him, and that he is now campaigning across multiple states including Kerala and West Bengal. The remarks reflect the BJP's broader effort to discredit opposition leaders who are rallying support for TMC ahead of the crucial second phase.
What to Watch Next
With 142 seats voting on 29 April, the second phase will be decisive in determining whether the BJP can make significant inroads into TMC strongholds, particularly in the districts surrounding Kolkata and South 24 Parganas. The deployment of a high-profile police observer signals the ECI's intent to ensure free and fair polling in what is shaping up to be a closely watched contest. Vote counting is scheduled to follow after polling concludes.
Point of View
However, is the ECI's decision to post a UP-cadre officer known for tough policing in Abhishek Banerjee's backyard; it signals institutional concern about ground-level intimidation that goes beyond routine observer deployment. The infiltration argument is a recurring BJP frame in Bengal — its electoral traction has always depended on whether it resonates beyond the party's existing base in the northern districts. If phase 2 turnout in South 24 Parganas diverges sharply from phase 1 patterns, that observer appointment will look prescient.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the West Bengal Assembly election phase 2?
Phase 2 is the second and final round of the West Bengal Assembly elections, covering 142 constituencies across 8 districts including Kolkata North, Kolkata South, Howrah, and South 24 Parganas. Polling is scheduled for 29 April.
Why did BJP's Sanjay Saraogi criticise the TMC government?
BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi backed PM Modi's remarks, saying the people of Bengal are in distress under the Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee. He cited concerns over infiltration and its alleged impact on demographics and resource distribution.
Who is Ajay Pal Sharma and why has he been deployed in West Bengal?
Ajay Pal Sharma is a 2011-batch IPS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, known for his tough policing style and involvement in high-risk operations. The ECI has appointed him as a police observer for South 24 Parganas to ensure free and fair polling in a district considered a TMC stronghold.
What did Saraogi say about Tejashwi Yadav?
Saraogi said the people of Bihar have completely rejected RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and that he is now campaigning in other states such as Kerala and West Bengal.
Is deploying a UP Police officer as election observer a routine move?
According to Saraogi, the ECI routinely appoints observers from across the country as part of the election process. He said the officer will monitor the ground situation and act if criminal activity or voter intimidation is detected.
