Suvendu predicts majority for BJP in Bengal polls

Just 50-60 kilometres apart from where the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was campaigning at Nakashipara in Nadia, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari predicted a majority for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the polls at another rally in the same district at Krishnagar.

Mr Adhikari exuded confidence in the party’s prospects, projecting a sharp rise from the BJP’s 77 Assembly seats in 2021 to at least 177 this year. “This is my personal observation. The Union home minister has already said the BJP will not fall below 170 seats. Our growth trajectory shows that we are moving beyond a simple majority,” he asserted.

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Highlighting Nadia district as a key battleground, he claimed that the BJP was well-positioned to win constituencies including Kaliganj, Palashipara, and Karimpur, asserting that anti-incumbency sentiment and organisational strength would yield “massive margins” in these areas. He also referenced demographic changes under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), suggesting that eligible Hindu migrants would now be included in voter lists while alleging that illegal votes, previously used to favour the TMC, would be corrected.

Mounting a scathing attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Monday accused her of spreading “fear and confusion” among citizens by warning at a recent election rally that Pakistan could attack Kolkata, while alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had maintained silence over the remarks.

Speaking to the press during a campaign visit in Krishnagar for attending the nomination filings of the party candidates, Mr Adhikari described the Chief Minister’s statement as “deeply irresponsible” and politically motivated, claiming it reflected a desperate attempt by the Trinamul Congress leadership to shift the electoral narrative as the state heads into a high-stakes Assembly election battle.

Invoking Nadia’s spiritual heritage, Mr Adhikari framed the election as a contest over cultural identity. “This is the holy land of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. People here have preserved Sanatana culture, and many nationalist Muslims have realised how Trinamul treats communities like bay leaves,” he said, referring to a recent incident highlighting communal tensions.

The BJP leader did not hold back in criticising Miss Banerjee’s alleged remarks about Central forces. He accused the Chief Minister of undermining paramilitary personnel, including calling the BSF “rapists,” questioning the Indian Army’s operations, and making provocative statements during anti-CAA protests. “Her mindset has always been against the state’s interests and Indian culture,”

Mr Adhikari alleged misuse of government machinery during rallies, claiming that civic volunteers were asked to remove uniforms to artificially boost attendance.

Mr Adhikari urged the Election Commission to take note of what he described as violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). He cited examples of using school grounds during exams, administrative interference in BJP campaigns, and disruption in door-to-door campaigning. “Many Muslims have now joined the BJP and they are being intimidated. Such issues should be reported to the Election Commission,” he said.

The remarks mark an escalation in campaign rhetoric as West Bengal prepares for multi-phase polling. While the BJP projects organisational strength and cultural messaging, the TMC continues to emphasise welfare schemes and regional identity as the backbone of its campaign. Analysts suggest that districts like Nadia will be crucial in shaping momentum and public perception ahead of the decisive phases.