Mamata Banerjee Breaks Routine: Inspects Polling Booths in Bhabanipur from Morning

Kolkata, April 29, 2026 – West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate from Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee, made an unprecedented early morning inspection of polling booths in her constituency, breaking from her established routine of voting in the afternoon. The move underscores the high stakes of the second phase of the Assembly elections, where Banerjee faces BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari in a symbolic battle for political supremacy.

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Banerjee, typically departing her Kalighat residence in the afternoon to cast her vote at Mitra Institution school, instead began her day before 8 AM. She first visited the residence of Kolkata Mayor FIRHAD Hakim before proceeding to tour several polling stations, including those in the Chetla area of south Kolkata. Visuals showed the Chief Minister actively engaging with election commission officials and security personnel, issuing directives to ensure smooth conduct of polls.

The inspections come amid intense political rivalry in Bhabanipur, where both candidates have been actively monitoring arrangements since early morning. BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari also began booth visits at dawn, signaling the constituency’s pivotal role in the state’s electoral outcome.

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Significance of the Move
This proactive approach represents a departure from Banerjee’s established polling day protocol and reflects the charged atmosphere surrounding the second phase, which encompasses 142 constituencies across seven districts. The TMC has framed these inspections as part of their commitment to ensuring “peaceful and fair” voting, while BJP has countered by alleging TMC’s attempts to influence the process.

Broader Context
With voting underway till 6 PM across TMC strongholds including Kolkata, Howrah, and South 24 Parganas, authorities have deployed stringent security measures. Banerjee’s early engagement signals her hands-on approach to the final phase, particularly crucial in her home turf where she seeks to consolidate her position against Adhikari’s aggressive challenge.

The Chief Minister’s booth visits have already drawn attention from political observers, who see it as a strategic move to demonstrate vigilance and reassure party workers amid ongoing allegations of electoral irregularities from both camps. As polling continues, Bhabanipur remains the focal point of national political discourse.