Kolkata

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee strengthened her position against BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in the Bhabanipur constituency, taking a lead of 16,706 votes after the fifth round of counting on Monday.

According to Election Commission data, Banerjee had secured 25,942 votes, while Adhikari was at 9,236 votes, marking a decisive advantage after a fluctuating start to the counting process.

The early rounds saw multiple shifts in momentum. Banerjee began with a 1,996-vote lead in the first round, polling 3,666 votes against Adhikari’s 1,670. However, Adhikari briefly moved ahead in the second round by 1,558 votes.

Banerjee then regained control in the third round with an 898-vote lead and subsequently widened her margin significantly in the following rounds, building a strong overall advantage.

Counting of votes across all 293 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal continued under strict security arrangements.

The Bhabanipur seat has attracted considerable attention as a high-profile contest, with Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition, emerging as the BJP’s key challenger to Banerjee in what is seen as a prestige battle.

RAED MORE: Will BJP make inroads in West Bengal, Kerala and return in Assam?

Officials said counting is still underway and trends may change as more rounds are completed.