Kolkata, April 24: The Bharatiya Janata Party has projected a strong lead in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah stating that the party expects to secure at least 110 of the 152 constituencies that went to polls on April 23.
Addressing the media after what he described as an overnight internal review, Shah said the party’s assessment indicates a clear advantage in the first phase. He added that the BJP is confident of forming the next government in the state with a majority.
Shah credited voters for their participation and described the turnout as a sign of political shift. He also acknowledged the role of central forces, Election Commission personnel, and state police, stating that polling was conducted without any reported deaths, which he termed significant in the context of the state’s electoral history.
Referring to the broader political narrative, Shah said voters in West Bengal have begun what he described as a transition toward change, and expressed confidence that this trend would continue in subsequent phases of polling.
On leadership, Shah indicated that the BJP would project a Chief Ministerial face rooted in the state’s identity. He said the party’s leader, if elected to power, would be someone born and educated in West Bengal, fluent in Bengali, and reflective of the state’s socio-cultural background.
The Union Home Minister also outlined the party’s expectations for the second phase of polling scheduled on April 29. He said the BJP is targeting at least 77 seats in the next phase, while acknowledging that the contest across the state remains competitive.
Shah emphasised that electoral outcomes ultimately depend on voters, adding that the party’s projections are based on internal analysis rather than definitive results. He described the current electoral momentum as a strong wave in favour of the BJP.
The first phase of polling covered 152 constituencies, marking a critical segment of the multi-phase Assembly election. The BJP’s claims come amid high voter turnout and ongoing political contestation in the state.
With multiple phases still remaining, the focus now shifts to the next round of polling, where parties are expected to intensify campaigning and consolidate support bases.
