'Parivartan Hoga': Suvendu Adhikari Predicts Big Win, Lauds EC For Largely Peaceful Polls In Bengal

As West Bengal is voting in the first phase of the Assembly elections, senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari exuded confidence about a sweeping victory for his party, asserting that the state is headed for “parivartan” (change).

“There is going to be change. Mothers and sisters want change. They are crying because if there is no change, Sanatan culture will be erased from Bengal,” Adhikari said, predicting a decisive mandate in favour of the BJP.

He also praised the Election Commission of India and central security forces for ensuring that polling was largely peaceful, an issue that has long dominated electoral discourse in the state.

According to him, the relative calm during voting marked a sharp departure from past

elections marred by violence.

The first phase of polling is being held today, April 23, while the second and final phase is scheduled for April 29. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.

The opening phase is being seen as crucial, with the BJP aggressively targeting the ruling Trinamool Congress over governance, corruption and political violence, while projecting itself as a strong alternative.

Campaigning has been intense across constituencies, with security tightened to facilitate smooth polling.

Backing the Election Commission’s conduct, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also credited the poll panel for ensuring violence-free voting.

Addressing a rally in Krishnanagar on Thursday, which will go to polls in the second phase, Modi congratulated voters for participating enthusiastically despite the heat.

“There has been less violence this time so far. Earlier, people were hanged and it was called suicide. I congratulate the Election Commission of India,” the Prime Minister said, expressing optimism over the high turnout recorded through the day.

PM Modi further noted the enthusiasm of voters standing in long queues and praised state government employees for conducting the polling process responsibly.

He also took an indirect swipe at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, referring to her recent remarks about his stop to eat jhalmuri during a campaign visit.

“I heard my jhalmuri jolted some people here. After the results on May 4, the BJP will celebrate victory in West Bengal. At that time, both sweets and jhalmuri will be distributed,” Modi said.

With polling underway and early turnout trends closely watched, the Bengal election remains one of the most keenly contested political battles in the country.