Shah claims high turnout signals pro-change wave in Bengal

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday asserted that the massive voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections reflects a strong mandate for change, claiming it indicates that people are ready to bring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power in the state.

Addressing a Press conference today at a city hotel after the conclusion of polling, Mr Shah said the recorded turnout of 92.98 per cent across 152 constituencies in 16 districts “clearly shows that the people of Bengal have decided to bid farewell to ‘Didi’ and are moving towards the BJP.” Citing the party’s internal assessment, he claimed that the BJP is poised to win more than 110 seats in this phase alone. Congratulating voters for their enthusiastic participation, the home minister said the electorate had voted for “change, trust and freedom from fear.” He expressed confidence that the same trend would continue in the subsequent phases, adding that a “wave of transformation” is sweeping across the state.

Advertisement

Mr Shah also praised the role of the Election Commission of India, Central forces and the state police, stating that the first phase was conducted in a largely peaceful manner. “After a long time, Bengal has witnessed an election without any loss of life. It is nothing short of a miracle,” he remarked. Highlighting comparative data from previous elections, he said that incidents of violence had significantly declined this time. According to figures cited by him, 1,278 people were injured in the 2016 Assembly polls, 1,681 in 2021, 664 in the 2023 panchayat elections, and 761 during the 2024 general elections. “In contrast, fewer than 30 people were injured in yesterday’s polling, and there were no fatalities,” he said, adding that the process appeared largely fear-free.

Outlining the BJP’s governance agenda, Mr Shah said ensuring women’s safety would be a top priority. He asserted that under a BJP government, women would feel secure enough to move freely even late at night. Referring to incidents such as those in RG Kar and Sandeshkhali, he said the party’s decision to field victims as candidates symbolises its commitment to justice and empowerment. The home minister also promised to dismantle what he termed the “syndicate raj” and end the alleged “nephew tax” if voted to power.

He announced that a special committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge would be constituted to investigate corruption worth Rs 10,000 crore reported in recent years. Mr Shah further clarified that the BJP’s chief ministerial face in Bengal would be “a son of the soil” ~ someone who speaks Bengali and has studied in a Bengali-medium school. On cultural and religious issues, he said a BJP government would ensure that festivals such as Ram Navami, Saraswati Puja and Durga immersion are observed without restrictions.

Emphasising the party’s broader vision, he said “parivartan” for the BJP means not merely a change of legislators, but the creation of an infiltration-free state, a corruption-free administration, and greater employment opportunities for the youth. He also urged voters in the remaining phases to exercise their franchise without fear, reiterating his confidence that the BJP is heading towards a decisive mandate in West Bengal.