India, April 19 -- Under the harsh glare of the afternoon sun in the politically sensitive battleground of Pingla, Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar spearheaded an energetic roadshow, underscoring the intensifying electoral contest ahead of the Assembly polls. The narrow bylanesand bustling market stretches of this Paschim Medinipur constituency were awash in saffron as BJP supporters thronged the streets, undeterred by the heat, signalling what the party describes as growing grassroots momentum.

30 in the afternoon and the sun is blazing. Still, despite the intense heat, you can see the huge turnout. This reflects the enthusiasm and determination-the jazba-of BJP workers and the people of West Bengal. They are resol...