Cast record number of votes for Sonar Bangla: Amit Shah as 2nd phase of polls underway
New Delhi, April 29
As the second phase of the West Bengal polls is underway, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday appealed to all voters to 'liberate' Bengal from the rule of fear, syndicates, and corruption. He further urged people to cast a record number of votes for a 'Sonar Bangla'.
HM Shah took to social media 'X' and said, "To liberate Bengal from the rule of fear, syndicates, and corruption, I appeal to all voters in the second and final phase - especially mothers, sisters, and the youth - to cast your votes in the greatest possible numbers."
"Your single vote will serve as the means to restore Bengal's glory, while simultaneously ensuring the safety and security of women. The dreams of Bengal's youth can only be fulfilled by a government that possesses both a vision for development and the resolute will to systematically root out infiltrators. Cast a record number of votes for a 'Sonar Bangla," he said.
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy also took to X and said, "Dear people of West Bengal, Step out and vote. Choose progress. Choose a Viksit Bengal for a Viksit Bharat. I urge the young and first-time voters to turn up. Let's strengthen our democracy and shape the future together. Every vote counts."
Meanwhile, polling began at 7 a.m. for 142 constituencies across six districts in West Bengal, including its capital, Kolkata, in the second phase of the Assembly polls.
The polling process started with mild tension in certain pockets from the very first hour.
In the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata, which is witnessing a battle between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister's brother, Kartik Banerjee, was cautioned by central forces for assembling near a police station with companions in excess of the permitted number. The central forces cautioned him not to assemble near a polling station with more than four persons at a time.
At Bhawanipur-adjacent Rashbehari constituency, also in South Kolkata, mild tension broke out following allegations that the ruling Trinamool Congress activists were not allowing Congress booth agents to enter a particular polling booth. Congress alleged 'hooliganism' in the Rashbehari Assembly constituency by the ruling party activists.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Sonar Bangla sounds good, but we've heard similar things before. Mamata didi has done decent work in education and health schemes. Let the people of Bengal decide what's best for them without outside interference.
The way Amit Shah talks about 'liberating' Bengal is concerning. Bengal has a rich cultural heritage and vibrant democracy. We need all parties to respect democratic processes and ensure peaceful polling. Every vote matters!
As a young voter in Kolkata, I'm tired of politicians using 'infiltrator' narrative to divide us. Focus on real issues: education, healthcare, and creating jobs for youth. That's how you build a real Sonar Bangla! 🙏
Look at the tension in Bhabanipur already - Kartik Banerjee being cautioned by central forces. Both sides need to maintain peace. We can't afford violence during elections. Let the democratic process work smoothly.
Amit Shah's appeal to 'mothers and sisters' is interesting. Women in Bengal have been highly politically active - from Nandigram to now. We need policies that genuinely empower women, not just use us as vote banks. 🗳️
P Priya S Whether it's We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.