Hooghly, 24 April (H.S.): Following the first phase of polling in the West Bengal Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a strong political assertion at a press conference in Kolkata, claiming that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would form governments next month in “Ang (Bihar), Bang (West Bengal), and Kalinga (Odisha).” He said the BJP’s footprint in eastern India is expanding rapidly and that voters in West Bengal have made up their minds in favor of change.

Shah stated that the first phase of polling witnessed enthusiastic participation from voters. He claimed that polling was held in 152 seats and expressed confidence that the BJP would win more than 110 of them. He added that the high voter turnout, which he said crossed previous records, indicated a clear desire for political change in the state.

According to Shah, voter turnout exceeded 92 percent in the first phase, which he described as evidence that people are seeking democratic change. He said that despite alleged fear and violence, voters turned out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.

Launching a direct attack on the ruling government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Shah claimed that its exit was imminent. He accused the administration of institutionalizing corruption, alleging multiple scams worth thousands of crores over the past several years, including recruitment irregularities, teacher appointment controversies, municipal-level issues, and misuse of welfare schemes.

He said that if voted to power, a BJP government would issue a white paper on corruption during the TMC regime and ensure investigations under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge so that those responsible are punished according to law.

Highlighting women’s safety as a key concern, Shah alleged that crimes against women have increased in the state and that the current government has failed to respond adequately. He said a BJP government would create conditions where women can move freely even at night without fear. He also emphasized that women voters would play a decisive role in the elections and reiterated the party’s commitment to women’s empowerment.

Shah further alleged that systems such as “syndicate raj,” “cut money,” and “nephew tax” have made life difficult for ordinary citizens, claiming that corruption and coercion affect construction, business, jobs, and access to government services. He promised to dismantle these practices if the BJP comes to power.

On the issue of land encroachment, Shah said that large tracts of land have been illegally occupied over the years. He stated that a BJP government would reclaim such land for development, industry, housing, and infrastructure projects.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of balanced regional development, Shah said the Centre aims to accelerate growth in eastern India on par with the western region. He added that this vision would gain momentum if the BJP forms the government in West Bengal.

Appealing to voters to participate in large numbers in the second phase of polling, Shah said the election is not just about changing a government but about freeing West Bengal from infiltration, corruption, appeasement, red tape, and unemployment.

Concluding his address, Amit Shah expressed confidence that voters would back change and that the BJP would form a full-majority government in West Bengal.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey