Kolkata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said the 2026 Assembly election is a battle against what she described as a systematic effort to weaken and control the state.

In a post on X, the Trinamool Congress chief warned against forces trying to impose a divisive agenda in Bengal and said people would answer through their votes.

She said those in Delhi seeking to take away Bengal’s rights and dictate its future should understand that voters are closely watching the developments and would respond democratically.

Without naming anyone directly, Banerjee appeared to target the sustained campaign by senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in the state, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Referring to areas such as Chowrangee, Bhabanipur, Jadavpur and Tollyganj, she said large numbers of people had come out united to defend Bengal’s identity, culture and future. She added that anyone believing Bengal could be run from Delhi was mistaken.

Banerjee also claimed that development had reached households across the state despite repeated obstacles. She said welfare programmes launched by her government had become lifelines for people and could not be taken away.

According to her, Bengal today stands for progress, peace and dignity, and the trust of the people would defeat any attempt to undermine the state.

She urged voters to rise above differences, remain united and cast their votes to safeguard Bengal’s language, culture and future.

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Polling for the first phase of elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly was held on Thursday, while the second phase is scheduled for April 29. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.