Bengaluru/Kalaburagi, April 30: With results from Assembly elections across five states awaited, leaders of the BJP and Congress have issued competing claims over likely outcomes, reflecting uncertainty as counting day approaches.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the BJP is confident of forming governments in West Bengal and Assam, while also projecting gains for the National Democratic Alliance in other regions. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said voters in West Bengal have shown trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and indicated that a nationalist government would take shape in the state.
Pradhan added that in Assam, the electorate is expected to give the BJP a third consecutive term. He also said the NDA is likely to form the government in Puducherry, while political developments in Tamil Nadu would be favourable. He further stated that the BJP is expected to emerge as a significant force in Kerala.
Responding to a question on a recent wall collapse incident in Bengaluru, Pradhan said he was deeply shocked by the loss of lives caused by the collapse of a compound wall at Bowring Hospital in Shivajinagar following heavy rainfall. He expressed condolences to the families of those who died.
On the other hand, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said a clearer picture of the electoral outcome would emerge within the next two days, while expressing confidence about his party’s performance. Speaking in Kalaburagi, he said that despite reports of uncertainty in some regions, the Congress-led alliance is expected to perform well in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Referring to Assam, Kharge acknowledged that some exit polls have projected fewer seats for the party but said the Congress is likely to secure more seats than indicated. In West Bengal, he said there are indications that the Trinamool Congress could take the lead.
Kharge alleged that the National Democratic Alliance has mounted an aggressive challenge against the TMC in West Bengal. He also pointed out that the Congress is contesting independently in the state for the first time.
He noted that both the BJP and TMC have claimed victory and urged patience until official results are declared. Kharge added that the Congress would take a call on extending support to the TMC in West Bengal after the final results are announced.
The statements from both sides underscore a closely contested political landscape, with parties positioning themselves ahead of the final outcome.
