As the second phase of the West Bengal assembly elections approaches, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of both Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at rallies in Hooghly, Kolkata, and South 24 Parganas, Gandhi claimed that both leaders engage in 'pro-rich' politics, prioritizing corporate interests over the welfare of the poor. He argued that there is little difference between the governance styles of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that Banerjee's administration mirrors Modi's corporate-friendly approach. Gandhi pointed out the absence of legal repercussions for Banerjee, contrasting it with his own experiences of facing multiple legal challenges for opposing the BJP. He framed his campaign around the theme of economic inequality, promising a 'people’s budget' with initiatives like a ₹2,000 monthly allowance for women and free cancer treatment at district hospitals. With a record voter turnout of 92.72% in the first phase, the second phase on April 29 will be pivotal, covering 142 seats including key urban areas. Gandhi seeks to establish Congress as a distinct third option amidst the ongoing political rivalry between the TMC and BJP.