In the run-up to the assembly elections in the state, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress
(TMC) in West Bengal, urging voters to cast their ballots “without fear” and bring about a political shift. Addressing a charged gathering during the nomination filing of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, Shah accused the TMC of fostering an atmosphere of intimidation and called on people to “uproot” the party from power. Adhikari is contesting the two-phase West Bengal assembly polls on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket from Bhabanipur and Nandigram constituencies.
Shah appealed directly to the people of Bhabanipur, the constituency from where TMC leader and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting, calling on them to support Adhikari and ensure a change in the state government. "I appeal to the Bengal people to help Suvendu Adhikari win this election... We want to make 'Sonar Bangla', and this is why we need to defeat TMC," he said, asserting that the ruling party had been marred by corruption.
"There will be a change in West Bengal. But you want a change in Bhabanipur or not? I have come here to appeal for your votes for our candidate Suvendu Adhikari," Shah said.
ANI
2039602703840706968
'Mamata will be defeated across Bengal': Amit Shah
He also highlighted the BJP's broader vision for West Bengal, referencing the party's development agenda since 2014. "Since 2014, those who kept believing in Modi ji have seen change. Help the BJP form the government and witness a change in Bengal. Last time Mamata lost an election, this time she is going to be defeated across Bengal," he said.
The Union Minister, who began his speech with the slogan "Jai Shree Ram," emphasised the urgency of collective action. "Everywhere, a single voice can be heard that this government must change. Say bye-bye to Mamata."
He announced that he would remain in the state for 15 days to campaign during the assembly elections.
Earlier in the day, Suvendu Adhikari said, "Mamata Banerjee is going to lose."
ANI
2039595756831785216
The Nandigram battle
This time, the West Bengal elections will see a face-off between Adhikari and Banerjee for the Bhabanipur seat, while Adhikari will also try to retain Nandigram. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lost the Nandigram seat in the 2021 assembly elections against Adhikari but later secured victory in the Bhabanipur by-election against Priyanka Tibrewal.
Polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
In the last assembly election in the state, held in eight phases in 2021, the Trinamool Congress recorded a landslide victory with 213 seats amid an intense contest with the BJP, which jumped to 77 seats. Congress and the Left Front drew a blank in the last state polls.
(With agency inputs)
