West Bengal Election: In West Bengal’s Bhabanipur assembly constituency, voting day saw an unusual moment when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stepped out early in the morning and visited several polling booths. TMC supremo Banerjee left her home early and visited polling booths, creating a scene that had not been seen in the political landscape for the past two decades. The state voted in the second phase on Wednesday and recorded a voter turnout of 92.25 per cent by 9 pm.

Banerjee, who typically monitors the entire electoral process from her residence in Kalighat until noon on polling days, took to the streets as early as 7:00 am. During her 15 years as CM and even before that in opposition, Banerjee was never seen visiting polling booths in the early hours of voting like this. She would usually step out of her home in the afternoon to cast her vote at her designated booth located at the nearby Mitra Institution.

What’s The Significance?

Banerjee's early-morning visits to areas such as Chetla, Padmapukur and Chakraberia have become a subject of intense discussion within political circles. While some interpret this as a demonstration of her proactiveness and an attempt to project herself as the "Daughter of Bhabanipur," her opponents attribute it to nervousness and a “fear of defeat.” BJP candidate and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari took a sharp dig at Banerjee’s visit. He said, “A cat doesn't climb a tree unless it is cornered.”

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Adhikari vs Banerjee

There was also a moment on the streets of Bhabanipur when electoral rivals Banerjee and Adhikari found themselves separated by barely 50 meters. However, there was neither any verbal exchange nor any exchange of courtesies between the two. While Banerjee was seen interacting with party workers outside polling booths, the BJP leader was observed moving alongside central security forces in an effort to apprehend “outsiders”.

Banerjee Lashes Out at ECI and Central Forces

Raising questions regarding the role of the Election Commission, Banerjee alleged that observers arriving from other states are acting under the instructions of the BJP. She said, “Abhishek and I stayed awake all night. Central forces arrived at Firhad Hakim's residence at midnight, terrifying the women there. Our party workers are being arrested without any justification.”

She further claimed that the councillor for Ward No. 70 was prevented from leaving her home, and that party flags were being torn down out of fear of the BJP.

Uproar In Kalighat

Meanwhile, tensions were reported from Patuapara locality of Kalighat as Adhikari's convoy arrived there in the afternoon. Female TMC supporters surrounded the BJP leader and chanted slogans of "Chor-Chor" (Thief! Thief!) and "Joy Bangla." In response, BJP workers mobilised and began raising slogans of "Jai Shri Ram." Central forces were compelled to resort to a lathi-charge to bring the situation under control.

Adhikari alleged that the unrest was being instigated at the behest of Banerjee’s sister-in-law and Ward Councillor, Kajari Banerjee. Kajari later countered the claim, alleging that Adhikari was attempting to influence the voters.

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