Rare praise of Amit Shah for Bengal police over bumper voting, says BJP will win 110 seats in Phase 1

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party is expected to win more than 110 seats out of 152 constituencies that went to polls in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections. The projection came after an internal assessment conducted by the party following the completion of voting, even as the Trinamool Congress expressed confidence of securing over 130 seats.

Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Shah said the estimate was based on feedback from party workers and ground-level reports. He stated, “Out of 152 seats, we will win more than 110,” attributing the projection to what he described as a strong anti-incumbency wave in the state. He also claimed that women voters were able to cast their votes freely and without fear, and that the high voter turnout reflected a desire for change.

At the beginning of his address, Shah thanked voters for participating peacefully and praised the role of the police, administration, and central forces in ensuring smooth polling. Referring to the turnout of over 90%, he remarked that such participation indicated a shift in public sentiment, asserting that it showed the ruling party was losing ground while the BJP was gaining support.

Shah further clarified that if the BJP forms the government in West Bengal, the Chief Minister will be a Bengali who has grown up and worked in the state, dismissing speculation about an outsider being appointed. He also expressed confidence that the peaceful conduct of the first phase would encourage voters to participate actively in the second phase scheduled for April 29.

Sharing a personal anecdote, Shah said an elderly woman blessed him during a roadshow, which he described as a reflection of the people’s aspirations for change. He outlined key priorities for a potential BJP government, including women’s reservation, ensuring safety for women, tackling corruption, and addressing issues related to infiltration, while asserting that the party is prepared to deliver on these fronts if elected.