Kolkata: Following the Election Commission’s announcement on Sunday that the West Bengal Assembly elections for 294 seats will be held in two phases—April 23 and April 29—major political players in the state have issued contrasting reactions.

‘People are firmly with us’

Responding to the poll announcement, The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) stated that the people of the state are firmly behind the ruling party.

TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh dismissed the Opposition's claims, asserting that the party remains the first choice for the electorate. He said, "People of Bengal are with TMC. This was again shown in the massive turnout of youth in Yuva Sathi camps held by the Mamata Banerjee government."

‘A civilisational battle’

The West Bengal BJP welcomed the schedule, framing the upcoming vote as a historic turning point. In a post on X, the party stated, "This is not merely an election, it is a civilisational battle. The countdown to the end of Maha Jungle Raj has begun."

Highlighting the counting date of May 4, the party added, "Fifty days to go—May 4 will mark a new dawn for Bengal," expressing confidence that voters would decisively end the ruling TMC's tenure.

Concerns over voter safety

While welcoming the two-phase approach, the Congress party expressed reservations regarding the ground reality of the polling process. Senior leader and former WB PCC chief Pradip Bhattacharya flagged concerns over potential voter intimidation.

"I welcome the Election Commission's move to hold the polls in West Bengal in two phases. But my only concern is that the electors can cast their votes freely and without any fear," Bhattacharya told PTI.

He further noted that he had raised these concerns during the EC's recent visit, alleging that "in past elections, voters could not cast their ballots despite polls being conducted in multiple phases”. 

PTI