Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asserted that the BJP will form governments across eastern India, saying “Anga, Banga and Kalinga” — ancient kingdoms covering parts of the region, will come under the party’s rule next month.
Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Shah claimed that the BJP would secure more than 110 of the 152 seats that went to polls in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on Thursday.
“People of Bengal broke all records in the first phase and voted with enthusiasm for a change,” he said, referring to a turnout of over 92 per cent.
Shah thanked the Election Commission of India and security forces for ensuring peaceful polling. He contrasted this with previous Assembly elections, saying violence had led to a large number of injuries in 2016 and 2021.
Claiming that the ruling Trinamool Congress’ exit was imminent, he said the BJP would form the next government in the state with an absolute majority. “I see a tsunami this time,” he said, adding that both the number of seats and margins of victory would be significantly higher.
“We will have governments in ‘Anga, Banga and Kalinga’ after May 5,” he said, invoking the historical regions to underline the BJP’s expansion in eastern India. The party is already in power in Odisha and is seeking a third consecutive term in Assam, while aiming to unseat the TMC in West Bengal.
Also read: No infiltrators in Bengal after BJP win: Amit Shah
Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had consistently emphasised balanced development across eastern and western India, and forming a BJP government in Bengal would further that vision.
He also alleged that earlier elections in the state were marred by intimidation. “A large number of booths were looted, and many people were not allowed to reach polling stations,” he said, adding that tighter security and a revised voters’ list had ensured freer polling this time.
Responding to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s claim that opposition parties would “take over Delhi”, Shah said, “Very good! There is nothing left here. Why will she come to Delhi?”
He added that the BJP would appoint a “Bengal-born, Bengali-speaking” chief minister, countering allegations that “outsiders” would rule the state if the party came to power.
Shah also promised action against alleged corruption and illegal land encroachments, and said a BJP government would prioritise women’s safety, border fencing and economic development.
Voting for the remaining phases will continue through April, with counting scheduled for May 4.
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