Mamata Banerjee faces litmus test as Bhabanipur votes in crucial bypoll

Mamata Banerjee, who lost the Nandigram constituency to Suvendu Adhikari in the assembly election, has to win this bypoll to retain the chief minister's post.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faces a crucial test as voting began in Bhabanipur assembly seat in south Kolkata amid tight security and cloudy skies. The bypoll is significant for the TMC supremo as Mamata Banerjee needs to win the seat to keep the CM's chair.

The Bhabanipur constituency, which has twice elected Mamata and houses her residence, initially saw a low voter turnout in the morning. However, it picked up pace as the day progressed and the constituency recorded nearly 22 per cent voting till 11 am.