Campaigning for the West Bengal Assembly elections intensified on Friday as Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a high-energy roadshow, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the banks of the Hooghly River in Kolkata, underscoring the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) aggressive push in the state.
Amit Shah’s roadshow drew significant attention, reflecting the BJP’s efforts to consolidate support ahead of the crucial second phase of polling. His campaign outreach has combined large public mobilisations with strong messaging around governance, security, and political change. The roadshow comes at a time when BJP leaders are expressing confidence following a record voter turnout in the first phase, which they interpret as a sign of growing momentum in their favour.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his day along the Hooghly River, taking a boat ride and interacting with local residents. During the visit, he highlighted the cultural and spiritual importance of the Ganga to Bengal, describing it as deeply connected to the identity of the state. His symbolic outreach, coupled with a series of rallies and roadshows, is part of a broader strategy to connect emotionally with voters while reinforcing promises of development and prosperity.
The BJP’s campaign narrative continues to revolve around the promise of “good governance” and a political shift in West Bengal. Party leaders have pointed to high voter participation reportedly above 90% in the first phase as evidence of public enthusiasm for change. At the same time, the elections remain highly competitive, with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) also intensifying its campaign across the state.
With the second phase of polling scheduled soon, both Amit Shah and Narendra Modi are expected to continue their extensive outreach programmes, including rallies and roadshows across key constituencies. The BJP’s message remains clear: it is waiting for the “lotus to bloom” in Bengal, signalling its ambition to end the TMC’s long-standing dominance in the state.
