Mamata Banerjee Leads in Bhabanipur as Counting Progresses in West Bengal Assembly Elections

As the counting of votes for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections unfolds, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appears to be ahead in the Bhabanipur constituency against Suvendu Adhikari of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Reports from the Election Commission as of 1:10 PM indicate that Banerjee has a lead of over 17,000 votes after seven rounds of counting. This early lead is significant, especially considering she faced a momentary setback during the second round of counting.

In a contrasting development in Nandigram, Adhikari has managed to secure a lead of more than 2,200 votes against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Pabitra Kar after five rounds of counting. Nandigram holds particular importance as it was the battleground for the high-profile clash between Banerjee and Adhikari in the 2021 elections, where Adhikari emerged victorious after a fierce contest.

Banerjee’s political journey has been closely tied to Bhabanipur, a seat she has represented since 2011, except for a brief period following her defeat in Nandigram. Following that loss, she successfully contested a bye-poll in Bhabanipur, regaining her position in the Assembly. The ongoing counting process reflects the tension and anticipation surrounding these two constituencies, which have been focal points in discussions about electoral strategies and voter turnout.

As of 1:25 PM, results were still awaited for 29 constituencies, with the Election Commission reporting data for two or fewer rounds of counting in these areas. The stakes are high as both Banerjee and Adhikari have deep-rooted ties to their respective constituencies, and the results could shape the political landscape of West Bengal moving forward.

Adhikari’s rise to prominence in the BJP came after his departure from the TMC in 2020, where he was once a close aide to Banerjee. Now serving as the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, his performance in Nandigram is being closely monitored, especially given the constituency’s historical significance.

As the counting continues, the political dynamics in West Bengal remain fluid, with both leaders vying for crucial positions in the Assembly. The outcomes in Bhabanipur and Nandigram will not only influence their political futures but also set the tone for the ensuing political discourse in the state.

Source: scroll.in