Mega Saturday showdown: Modi, Mamata, Shah, Abhishek flex power across Bengal in rally war
Kolkata: Political temperatures have soared in the state on this ‘mega Saturday’, as top leaders, Narendra Modi, Mamata Banerjee, Amit Shah, and Abhishek Banerjee, are all set to address public rallies on the same day.
The presence of these four heavyweight leaders has intensified the election atmosphere.
Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a Vijay Sankalp rally at Simlon in Kalna, Purba Bardhaman. The BJP claims there is massive enthusiasm among the public surrounding the event.
The rally stage has been set up on agricultural land along the Kalna–Bardhaman state highway, with final preparations underway since Friday.
A helicopter rehearsal was also conducted, and the entire venue has been brought under CCTV surveillance for security.
The Prime Minister is expected to arrive at the venue around 11 am. BJP Kisan Morcha state president Rajib Bhowmik said the rally falls under the Purbasthali Dakshin Assembly constituency, and candidates from 18 Assembly segments will be present.
Sources suggest that workers and supporters from opposition camps may join the BJP at the event.
Meanwhile, Bankura is set to witness a high-voltage political showdown the same day. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will hold an election rally at Barjora College ground.
On the other hand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address rallies at Ramsagar in Onda and at Jhatipahari in Chhatna. Both camps have completed their final preparations.
TMC’s Bishnupur organisational district chairman Bikramjit Chattopadhyay said that a massive turnout is expected at the Barjora rally, with supporters arriving from across the constituency.
BJP leaders, including district vice-president and spokesperson Debashis Dutta, expressed confidence of record crowds at Shah’s rallies in Onda and Chhatna.
Actor Mithun Chakraborty will also hold a rally in Gangajalghati in support of BJP candidate Billeswar Sinha.
In Birbhum too, political activity is at its peak. TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee will address a rally at the fairground near Jalibagan in Sainthia.
Earlier, he had campaigned at Karkaria near Tarapith in support of candidate Faizul Haque alias Kajal. Preparations for the Sainthia rally include a helipad and a large stage.
Party sources indicate that candidates from Labhpur, Mayureswar, and Nanoor may also attend. There is also a possibility of Anubrata Mondal’s presence.
According to Sainthia town TMC president Debashis Saha, the target is to draw a crowd of 50,000–60,000 people from the Sainthia Assembly constituency alone.