West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 23, 2026, expressed strong confidence in her party’s performance following a high voter turnout in the first phase of the Assembly elections. Addressing a rally in Chowringhee, central Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief said the enthusiastic participation of voters indicated public support for her government and its policies. She stated that if the public mood is correctly interpreted, the TMC is already in the “driver’s seat” in the ongoing electoral battle.
Banerjee emphasised that the high turnout reflects people’s determination to safeguard their rights and continue with inclusive development. She also suggested that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may face political challenges at the national level in the near future. Her remarks came amid intense campaigning and heightened political activity across the state during the crucial first phase of polling.
Taking aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Banerjee questioned his comments about the elections on polling day, saying that predictions of victory should be left to the voters. She criticised what she described as inappropriate remarks during the voting process and urged that democratic norms must be respected.
She also targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that his presence in West Bengal during polling was aimed at influencing the administrative machinery. Banerjee claimed that the BJP lacks grassroots support in the state and therefore relies on high-profile visits to exert pressure. She further questioned the extended stay of leaders who are not voters in West Bengal, calling it a concerning trend during elections.
Rejecting opposition criticism of her government’s performance, the chief minister reiterated that development in West Bengal is focused on inclusivity and benefits all sections of society, not just the affluent. As the election process continues, her remarks have added to the sharp political exchanges between the TMC and BJP in one of India’s most closely watched state elections.
