Rahul Gandhi to kick off Congress Bengal campaign from Shamsherganj, Priyanka and Kharge to join

With the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, the Indian National Congress is set to launch an aggressive campaign in the state, beginning with a public rally by Rahul Gandhi in Shamsherganj on April 14. Party sources say the venue was chosen with an eye on the political significance and emotional connect of the Murshidabad region, which has traditionally been considered a Congress stronghold.

Alongside Rahul Gandhi, Congress plans a series of high-profile campaign events featuring Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party president Mallikarjun Kharge. Beginning April 18, the party will roll out a “virtual Chander Haat” campaign, with senior leaders addressing voters across multiple constituencies. Party MP Imran Pratapgarhi is also expected to participate in the outreach programme. The Congress is banking on its top leadership to revive its influence in Murshidabad amid rising competition from the All India Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. The party hopes that the high-profile campaign will energise local cadres and reinforce its traditional support base ahead of the crucial electoral battle.

Meanwhile, the BJP has also intensified its campaign, with leaders such as Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, Smriti Irani, Manik Saha, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Biplab Kumar Deb scheduled to address multiple rallies. As national heavyweights from rival camps descend on Bengal, the political landscape is set for a high-stakes contest.