Battle for Bengal: Mamata or Modi, who has the edge? Experts weigh in

As West Bengal prepares for phase two of the assembly elections on April 29, the political battle intensifies across 142 seats in South Bengal and Kolkata. This phase covers key Trinamool Congress strongholds, including North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, and Hooghly. The Bharatiya Janata Party aims to make significant inroads to challenge Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. A central focus of this electoral phase is the decisive role of women voters and the impact of welfare schemes like Lakshmi Bhandar. While some rural women remain loyal to the ruling party due to these benefits, others express concerns over unemployment and corruption, demanding job opportunities over cash handouts. Political analysts note that the BJP requires a massive strike rate in this phase to secure a majority, while the TMC relies on its established voter base and the personal popularity of Mamata Banerjee. The outcome remains unpredictable as both parties vie for dominance in a highly polarised environment.