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Supreme Court rebuke of Mamata hands BJP extra ammo on poll eve
On April 22, 2026, the Supreme Court rebuked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over interference in ED raids on I-PAC. BJP seized the ruling to frame Banerjee as 'jungle raj' and intensified its campaign, including a late-night Kolkata meeting and ground outreach such as QR-code posters as polling approaches the second phase on April 29.
Why It Matters
The court ruling provides a political weapon ahead of the state elections, shaping party narratives and campaign tactics in a high-stakes contest.
Timeline
7 Events
Second phase polling scheduled for April 29
April 23, 2026
The article notes that polling for the second phase is due on April 29.
Shah to camp in West Bengal until April 27
April 23, 2026
The BJP indicated that Shah will camp in the state until April 27 as part of its intensified campaign.
Amit Shah leads marathon late-night campaign meeting in Kolkata
April 22, 2026
Home Minister Amit Shah presided over a marathon meeting that went past midnight with key party functionaries in Kolkata, sharing feedback and giving instructions for booth management and turnout.
Anonymous QR-code posters in Kolkata linked to pay2tmc
April 22, 2026
Residents in parts of Kolkata woke up to posters with a QR code (pay2tmc) offering benefits, described as part of BJP's outreach and a jab at alleged cut-money practices linked to the TMC.
BJP blames Banerjee as 'jungle raj' after SC observations
April 22, 2026
BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said the court's observations depicted Banerjee in terms of 'jungle raj' and said she had no right to continue as chief minister.
Supreme Court rebuke of Mamata Banerjee for interference in ED raids on I-PAC
April 22, 2026
The Supreme Court rebuked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her interference in ED raids on I-PAC, which the article notes worked for her government and the Trinamool Congress.
Historical reference: 2021 Bengal assembly election results
2021
The article recalls that in 2021, Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress won 215 seats in the 288-member assembly.