“A cat doesn’t climb a tree unless it is truly desperate,” remarked Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, taking a sharp dig at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her unusually early and active presence on polling day in Bhawanipur constituency. The comment came amid an extraordinary start to Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections, where Mamata was seen on the streets within an hour of voting commencing at 7:00 am—marking a stark departure from her previous election routines.
In both the 2016 and the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021, Mamata had typically cast her vote at Mitra Institution later in the afternoon. This time, however, she adopted a far more visible and hands-on approach.
From early morning, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo has been crisscrossing the lanes of the Bhawanipur Assembly constituency, moving between Chetla, Chakraberia, and multiple polling booths across Ward No. 70. In Chetla, she held a prolonged discussion with Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim before continuing her rounds. At one point, she was seen seated outside a polling booth in Ward No. 70—an area with a significant non-Bengali voter base—for nearly 45 minutes, closely observing the situation on the ground.
Political observers have described this level of early-morning “vigilance” as unprecedented, even compared to the high-stakes contest in Nandigram in 2021, where Mamata had not been as visibly active during polling hours. Many interpret her assertive presence as a reflection of the importance she attaches to the Bhawanipur seat—widely viewed as critical to her political standing.
Adhikari, who is contesting against Mamata in Bhawanipur, had begun touring polling booths much earlier in the day. Reacting to Mamata’s movements, he alleged that her actions indicated nervousness. “It is abundantly clear from Mamata Banerjee's frantic movements that the Trinamool Congress is heading towards defeat,” he said.
“There is no unrest; polling is taking place in a festive atmosphere. Voters are exercising their franchise freely—that is exactly what we wanted.”
The shadow of the 2021 Nandigram contest looms large over the current battle. In that election, Adhikari had narrowly defeated Mamata, setting the stage for a fierce political rivalry. His decision to challenge the Chief Minister once again—this time in Bhawanipur—has reignited that intense contest of nerves.
Meanwhile, reports of mild tension have emerged from several polling booths across the constituency. A heated exchange involving the Chief Minister’s brother and police personnel briefly drew media attention, adding to the charged atmosphere. With central forces deployed to ensure security and both camps maintaining a combative stance, Bhawanipur has effectively become the focal point of the state’s electoral narrative.
As polling continues, the outcome in this high-profile constituency is expected to significantly influence the broader trajectory of the elections in West Bengal.
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