“People of Bengal are desperate for change”: Nirmala Sitharaman predicts Assembly election outcome from Bardhaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday visited East Bardhaman in West Bengal, where she made strong political remarks ahead of the Assembly elections. Addressing public interactions during her visit, she stated that there is a growing sentiment among people in the state for political change and improved governance.

She said, “I feel that this time there will be a change in Bengal,” adding that people are now more openly expressing their grievances compared to earlier years. Sitharaman further noted that during her previous visit in 2016, public engagement was different, but this time citizens appear more vocal about their dissatisfaction with existing conditions.

The Finance Minister also stated that the response received by BJP leaders during their outreach programmes in the region indicates strong public support for change. She added that although people may not always express it directly, their conversations reflect concerns about governance and development in the state.

Earlier, Sitharaman had also targeted the ruling Trinamool Congress in Parliament during a debate on the Finance Bill 2026, alleging neglect of tea garden workers in the state and claiming that a large number of workers have been deprived of government welfare benefits under the current administration.