Mamata to hold twin rallies in Dinajpur districts

BALURGHAT/RAIGANJ: With the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections drawing closer, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has intensified its campaign across both South and North Dinajpur, as TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee is set to address two major rallies on Friday, energising party workers and supporters in the region.

In South Dinajpur, Banerjee will hold a public meeting at Hajipur in Harirampur Assembly Constituency at around 11:45 am. The rally has already generated significant enthusiasm among grassroots workers. On Wednesday afternoon, TMC candidate and outgoing Consumer Affairs Minister Biplab Mitra visited the venue to review preparations. Senior police and administrative officials also inspected the area to ensure foolproof security arrangements for the Chief Minister’s visit.

The Harirampur contest is being viewed as a prestige battle for Mitra. Notably, around 31,000 voters in the Constituency are currently listed under the “adjudication” category, making the electoral scenario more complex. Speaking to reporters, Mitra alleged that the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process was being conducted in a manner favouring the BJP, leading to public resentment. He expressed confidence that Banerjee’s rally would boost morale among voters and party workers. Elaborate arrangements have been made, including separate entry routes for VIPs and the general public, with expectations of a massive turnout.

Meanwhile, in North Dinajpur, Banerjee is scheduled to address another key rally at Raiganj Stadium ground later in the afternoon in support of TMC candidate Krishna Kalyani. The event is being seen as a crucial moment in the party’s campaign in the district, where all eight TMC candidates are expected to be present.

Preparations at the Raiganj venue are in full swing. Kalyani, along with district vice-president Sandip Biswas, inspected the ground on Wednesday to oversee arrangements. Expressing optimism, Kalyani highlighted the impact of the state government’s development initiatives and welfare schemes in attracting voter support.

Biswas stated that adequate facilities, including seating for elderly attendees and drinking water provisions, have been arranged considering the prevailing dry conditions. Police authorities are also ensuring tight security to manage the anticipated large crowd.

With back-to-back rallies across the two districts, Banerjee’s campaign push is expected to significantly influence the political landscape in both South and North Dinajpur ahead of the crucial polls later this month.