Abhishek Banerjee expresses confidence in TMC’s electoral prospects ahead of Phase II polling

PTI, Apr 25, 2026, Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday claimed that the party would cross the 200-seat mark after the second phase of polling in the West Bengal Assembly elections, reiterating his earlier assertion that the party had already surpassed 100 seats in the first phase.

“I can take responsibility and say that after the first phase, TMC has crossed 100. On April 29, it will cross 200. Where the final tally will stop, even I do not know,” he said, without giving a specific projection while addressing a rally at Uttar Gulai Chandir Math in Basirhat South in support of party candidate Surajit Mitra.

The Basirhat Lok Sabha seat, under which the Assembly segment falls, also figured in his speech. Referring to the death of TMC MP Haji Nurul, Banerjee questioned the delay in holding a bypoll and alleged that the BJP had stalled the process to avoid a heavy defeat. He also flagged local demands such as an underpass near Bhyabla station, promising to raise the issue in Parliament. He added that the state government would explore alternatives if the Centre did not take up the project.

Later, at a rally in Bhangar in South 24-Parganas, Banerjee trained his guns on ISF leader Nausad Siddiqui and former TMC leader Arabul Islam, now fielded by the ISF from that seat. He accused the ISF of compromising its “ideals” and called it the BJP’s “B-team”. Citing alleged inaction over stalled central funds, he challenged Siddiqui to show any instance of protest against the Union government in the past five years.

Banerjee expressed confidence of victory in both Bhangar and Canning Purba constituencies, citing development works in the region, including the construction of the Moukhali bridge over the Matla river, improvements in healthcare infrastructure and canal renovation projects.

Banerjee later addressed a public meeting in favour of Kailash Mishra, TMC’s candidate from Bally, Howrah. He also held roadshows in support of party nominee Goutam Chowdhury of Howrah North and Shreya Pande, who is contesting from the Maniktala Assembly seat in North Kolkata.

With the second phase of polling approaching, the TMC leadership has continued to project confidence, combining claims of electoral gains with an emphasis on development initiatives.