New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed confidence in a political shift in West Bengal following an exceptionally high voter turnout in the first phase of the Assembly elections. Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, he described the participation as a strong indication of public support for the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The opening phase of polling covered 152 Assembly constituencies across 16 districts and recorded an impressive turnout of nearly 93 percent, one of the highest in the state’s recent electoral history. Shah stated that such large scale participation reflected a desire for change after years of governance by the All India Trinamool Congress led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Projecting strong electoral prospects, Shah said internal assessments suggested the BJP could secure over 110 seats in the constituencies that voted in the first phase. He indicated that this momentum could translate into a decisive majority as the remaining phases conclude.
Highlighting governance priorities, Shah outlined promises including improved safety for women, transparent administration and action against corruption. He alleged large scale financial irregularities under the current government and said such cases would be investigated thoroughly, with accountability ensured through legal processes.
He also addressed concerns related to business and trade, stating that practices such as extortion would be tackled firmly under a new administration. According to him, ensuring a secure and fair environment for traders would be a key focus.
During the interaction, Shah responded to questions about Narendra Modi and his recent campaign activities, including a boat ride on the Ganga River. He described the outreach as an effort to connect with people living along the riverbanks and highlight developmental commitments.
Meanwhile, Banerjee responded by raising questions about environmental conditions in other regions, reflecting the ongoing political exchanges between the two sides as the election campaign intensifies.
