KOLKATA — Following a landmark voter turnout in the opening phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared on Friday that the state is on the verge of a historic political shift. Addressing a press conference in the state capital, Shah asserted that the massive participation signaled an end to the decade-long tenure of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The first phase of polling, conducted on Thursday, saw a staggering 92.98% turnout across 152 constituencies. Shah described this as a definitive mandate for “Poriborton” (change).
Record Turnout and Internal Projections
The Home Minister shared the BJP’s internal assessments, suggesting that the party has already secured a commanding lead.
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Seat Projections: Shah estimated that the BJP would win over 110 of the 152 seats contested in the first phase.
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A “Fear-Free” Election: He commended the Election Commission and security forces for a peaceful polling process, noting the absence of electoral violence and fatalities—a departure from the state’s historical trend.
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Regional Dominance: Shah envisioned a future where the BJP governs the contiguous regions of “Anga, Banga, and Kalinga” (Assam, Bengal, and Odisha).
Key Campaign Promises
In a bid to reassure the electorate, Shah outlined the pillars of a potential BJP administration in West Bengal:
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Son of the Soil: He pledged that the next Chief Minister would be a Bhumiputra (son of the soil) who is fluent in Bengali.
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Safety & Security: Prioritizing women’s safety was highlighted as a top agenda item to “free them from fear.”
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Anti-Corruption Drive: Shah vowed to investigate over 30 alleged scams involving ₹10,000 crore, promising oversight by a retired Supreme Court judge.
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Economic Reform: He specifically targeted “syndicate-based extortion,” promising to abolish what he termed the “Bhaipo tax” to protect local traders.
The “Ganga” War of Words
The press conference also touched upon the recent sparring between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mamata Banerjee.
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The Boat Ride: Responding to the PM’s recent boat ride on the River Ganga, Shah stated it was a move to “connect with the people” and reaffirm promises of river purification.
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The TMC Retort: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee countered by questioning the cleanliness of the Yamuna in Delhi, suggesting the PM focus on the pollution in the national capital while acknowledging that the Ganga remains clean under her watch.
Election at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Phase 1 Turnout | ~92.98% |
| Constituencies | 152 (across 16 districts) |
| BJP Projection | 110+ Seats |
| Key Issues | Women’s safety, corruption, and “Syndicate” culture |
“Fear is about to go, and trust is going to come,” Shah told reporters. “Didi is leaving, the BJP is coming.”
As the state prepares for the subsequent phases of polling, the high-stakes battle between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP continues to intensify, with both sides claiming the momentum of the “Jana Gan” (the people).
