On April 23, 2026, Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, criticized the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her government's alleged failures, which he believes have facilitated the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state. Gandhi stated that if Banerjee had maintained a clean administration without corruption, the BJP would not have gained traction. He labeled the upcoming elections as an 'ideological battle,' emphasizing the Congress party's commitment to protecting India's diversity against the BJP's narrative of 'one nation, one language, one religion.' Gandhi urged voters to support Congress candidates, expressing confidence in the party's ability to form a government in West Bengal amidst a multi-cornered electoral contest. His remarks come at a crucial time as polling begins for the first phase of the West Bengal elections, with the second phase scheduled for April 29.