Amit shah predicts big BJP win in west bengal, hints at Bengali CM face
Kolkata: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party will secure a decisive victory in the ongoing West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, claiming that high voter turnout in the first phase signals a strong desire for political change.
Addressing the media in Kolkata, Shah said the BJP is likely to win more than 110 out of the 152 seats that went to polls in the first phase. He asserted that the ruling All India Trinamool Congress is nearing its exit and that the BJP will form the next government in the state with a clear majority.
In a key political statement, Shah announced that if the BJP comes to power, the party will appoint a Chief Minister who is born in Bengal and speaks Bengali. The remark appears aimed at countering criticism from opponents who have often accused the BJP of promoting “outsider” leadership in the state.
Shah also thanked the Election Commission of India and security forces for ensuring peaceful polling. He highlighted that no deaths were reported during the first phase, marking a significant improvement compared to previous elections.
Citing past data, Shah said that over 1,200 people were injured during the 2016 assembly elections and more than 1,600 in 2021. In contrast, fewer than 30 injuries were reported in the current phase, which he described as evidence of improved law and order.
The Home Minister also outlined BJP’s broader political ambitions in eastern India, referring to regions historically known as Anga, Banga, and Kalinga. He expressed confidence that after May 5, BJP or its allies would be in power across these regions, including Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha.
Shah pointed out that the BJP has already formed the government in Odisha and is aiming for a third consecutive term in Assam. In West Bengal, he said, the party is focused on ending the TMC’s 15-year rule.
Highlighting the party’s governance agenda, Shah promised that a BJP government would prioritise women’s safety and eliminate alleged practices such as “bhaipo tax” and syndicate raj, which the party claims have affected governance and business in the state.
He further assured that the BJP would create a business-friendly environment by rolling out red carpet policies for investors, aiming to boost industrial growth and employment opportunities in West Bengal.
With multiple phases of polling still remaining, Shah’s remarks indicate an aggressive campaign strategy by the BJP as it seeks to make significant electoral gains in the state.
