In the midst of the seventh and final phase of polling, all eyes are on Diamond Harbour, a Lok Sabha constituency where TMC MP and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, is seeking re-election. Known for its history of violence, this constituency has been a focal point due to alleged incidents of voter intimidation. Banerjee, expressing confidence, asserted that TMC would perform better this time in terms of seat tally and vote share compared to 2019.

Addressing the media after casting his vote at a polling booth in Mitra Institution on Harish Mukherjee Road in Kolkata, Banerjee emphasized the importance of exercising the right to vote and urged others to do the same. He reiterated his belief in the party’s improved performance this election cycle, attributing it to widespread resentment against the incumbent government’s policies and actions.

In Diamond Harbour, Banerjee faces competition from CPI-M’s Pratikur Rahaman and BJP’s Abhijit Das. The constituency, consisting of seven assembly segments, all held by TMC, is strategically significant for the party. Despite being labeled both a ‘model constituency’ by TMC and a ‘laboratory of violence’ by the opposition, Banerjee secured a substantial victory margin of approximately 2.4 lakh votes in 2019.

Supporters of Banerjee anticipate his third consecutive victory, which would not only reinforce his leadership within the party but also solidify his influence, particularly in light of recent defections to BJP that have caused fractures within TMC. Victory with an increased margin would undoubtedly bolster Banerjee’s stature and authority within the party.