Union Home Minister Amit Shah claimed the BJP would bag more than 110 out of the 152 seats that went to the polls in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
Speaking after the first phase of voting, Shah said the public response to the rallies addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leaders was strong and reflected in the voting pattern.
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Responding to claims made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the BJP projecting an “outsider” as Chief Minister, Shah said, "Bengal's CM is spreading rumours that if BJP comes to power in Bengal, the outsiders will rule. I want to tell Didi, the next Chief Minister of Bengal will be someone who was born in Bengal, educated in the Bengali medium and will be able to speak Bengali... The only thing is that your nephew will not be there; CM will be BJP worker," news agency ANI reported.
Addressing party workers in Kolkata, Shah said, “The people of Bengal have decided Didi will step down and BJP will form the government, with fear going away and confidence increasing.”
He also thanked the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and the Election Commission for conducting the elections peacefully, stating the polling process was carried out in a calm manner.
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Shah further said the election results would reflect the public rejection of the TMC regime and the mandate for change .
He added the outcome would also serve as a response to the Chief Minister's opposition to the Women's Bill.
He criticised the state government over women's safety, referring to the Sandeshkhali violence and RG Kar rape-murder case. He said, “A woman Chief Minister telling women to stay indoors after 7 pm should not continue in office.”
Polling for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections was held on April 23, covering 152 constituencies across north Bengal and several districts in the southern part of the state. The state recorded a record 92.59% turnout in this phase.
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The second phase of polling is scheduled to take place on April 29, while counting of votes will be held on May 4.
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