BackPOLITICS
Amit Shah predicts BJP will win 110+ seats after first phase turnout in Bengal polls
Amit Shah claimed BJP internal assessment shows gains after Bengal's phase-1 voting, predicting more than 110 of 152 seats. He attributed the high turnout to a public push for change and outlined governance priorities, while criticizing the incumbent government. The article notes his assurances of a Bengal-born chief minister if elected and praises for peaceful polling.
Why It Matters
The remarks indicate BJP's optimism after the first phase and could influence phase-2 campaigning and voter expectations in Bengal politics.
Timeline
2 Events
Article published reporting Shah's Bengal phase-1 remarks and BJP-predicted sweep
April 24, 2026
The article published on April 24, 2026, reports Shah's comments on the phase-1 turnout and his prediction that the BJP would win a substantial number of seats, along with promises of a Bengal-born chief minister and governance reforms. It also notes his criticisms of the Mamata Banerjee government and his praise for peaceful polling.
First phase voting completes in Bengal; BJP predicts 110+ seats after phase-1 turnout
April 23, 2026
Shah stated that the BJP's internal assessment indicated gains in the phase-1 seats and that voters had decided their future in the first phase. He claimed 92.98% turnout across 52 seats in 16 districts and predicted the BJP would win more than 110 of 152 seats, with government formation after the second phase. He described the phase as a moment of public demand for change, congratulated voters, and pledged a Bengal-born, Bengali-speaking chief minister if elected, with a focus on law and order, women's safety, and governance reforms. He accused Mamata Banerjee's government of corruption and extortion, said cases would be handled by a retired Supreme Court judge, and lauded the Election Commission, CAPFs, and Bengal Police for peaceful polling, noting no deaths. He characterized momentum as a 'tsunami' in support of BJP.