Daijiworld Media Network – Kolkata

Kolkata, Apr 24: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will secure more than 110 seats following the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, citing a high voter turnout.

Addressing a press conference, Shah said the nearly 92.9 per cent polling across 52 constituencies in 16 districts indicates a clear shift in public mood against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.

He stated that based on feedback and internal assessments, the BJP expects to win more than 110 out of 152 seats after the initial phases, putting the party on track to form the next government in the state.

Shah also thanked the Election Commission of India, central armed police forces, and state police for ensuring peaceful polling, noting that no loss of life was reported during the phase.

He said the outcome reflects people’s preference for development and asserted that the development agenda under Prime Minister Narendra Modi will extend to West Bengal.

Responding to claims about “outsiders” ruling the state if BJP comes to power, Shah said the party’s chief ministerial face will be a native of Bengal, educated in Bengali medium and fluent in the language.

He added that while leadership will change, it will come from within the state, asserting that a BJP worker will take charge instead of the current leadership.