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West Bengal Elections 2026: The counting of votes for the Bhabanipur constituency in West Bengal began at 8 am IST on Monday, and early trends show Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading against BJP's Suvendu Adhikari. The contest has drawn massive attention as it pits a sitting chief minister against the same rival who defeated her in Nandigram in 2021, this time on her home turf. 

Tensions ran high even before counting began, with allegations of power cuts, CCTV shutdowns, and a verbal spat between party agents outside the counting centre at Sakhawat Memorial School.

Why Is Bhabanipur Seat So Important In West Bengal Elections 2026?

Bhabanipur has been a Trinamool Congress stronghold since 2011. Mamata won from here in 2011 and 2016. In 2021, she shifted to Nandigram, where Suvendu Adhikari defeated her in one of the biggest upsets of her political career.

Following that loss, the sitting TMC MLA from Bhabanipur vacated the seat. A bypoll was held, Mamata contested and won, returning to the assembly while continuing as CM.

This election, the BJP has once again pitched Adhikari against her, this time from Bhabanipur. Adhikari is contesting from two seats, Nandigram and Bhabanipur.

What Did Mamata And Adhikari Say Before Counting Began?

Before counting began, Adhikari offered prayers at the Laxmi Narayan Temple. "I offered prayers at the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. God is with us. A government that protects the interests of Sanatan Dharma is coming," he told ANI.

Mamata, meanwhile, urged party workers to stay alert. "Stay alert. Keep watch. Remain awake and file complaints if needed. I am receiving reports from several places that load-shedding is being deliberately imposed. 

From Hooghly's Serampore and Nadia's Krishnanagar to Burdwan's Ausgram and Kolkata's Kshudiram Anushilan Kendra, there have been incidents where power cuts are being carried out in phases, CCTV cameras are being switched off, and vehicles are moving in and out of strong rooms," she said.