High Tension in Bhabanipur Mamata and Adhikari Clash at Booths as Polling Hits 86.7%

The Bhabanipur constituency witnessed intense political drama during the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari faced off on the ground. Polling in the prestigious seat concluded with a high turnout of 86.7%, but the day was marked by sharp exchanges and logistics-related disputes. Banerjee, seeking a fourth term, spent the morning visiting various neighborhoods, including Chetla and Chakraberia, where she alleged that outside observers and central forces were “acting at the BJP’s directions” and harassing TMC workers through midnight raids and detentions.

The tension peaked when Adhikari, who is contesting against Banerjee in Bhabanipur while also defending his Nandigram seat, arrived at the same locations in Chakraberia. The simultaneous presence of both leaders led to heated sloganeering between rival supporters, requiring central forces to intervene. Adhikari dismissed the CM’s allegations, claiming the “tricks of TMC” were failing and predicting a “two-thirds majority” for the BJP. In contrast, Banerjee flashed a victory sign after casting her vote at Mitra Institution, maintaining that her party would secure its own two-thirds majority. As the state shifts focus toward the upcoming phases, the Bhabanipur standoff serves as a microcosm of the fierce, high-stakes battle defining the २०२६ Bengal elections.