Amit Shah Sights 1st Phase Tsunami in Bengal with 110 BJP Seats
Home Minister Amit Shah in Kolkata (Image BJP on X)
Amit Shah claims strong anti-incumbency wave, says BJP set to form government in West Bengal
By NIRENDRA DEV
Kolkata, April 24, 2026 — Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday claimed a massive surge in support for the BJP in the first phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal, describing it as a “tsunami” that would translate into a decisive mandate.
“I have seen a tsunami in phase-1 polling,” Shah said at a press conference in Kolkata, asserting that the BJP is likely to win more than 110 of the 152 seats that went to the polls on April 23.
Highlighting voter sentiment, Shah said there was a clear expression of public dissatisfaction with the incumbent government. “People’s anguish came out openly during voting,” he said, adding that a strong anti-incumbency wave had shaped the electoral outcome.
“Rosh ki abhivyakti mukt mann se hui hai,” he remarked, suggesting that voters expressed their anger freely and without fear.
Shah noted that there had been earlier concerns about whether public support for the BJP would translate into actual votes. However, he said those doubts had now been put to rest.
“There was apprehension whether support would reach polling booths. Those apprehensions have ended,” he said, expressing confidence of even greater enthusiasm in the second phase of polling.
He added that the BJP’s internal assessment—based on feedback gathered during his 14-day stay in the state—indicated a clear edge for the party.
Projecting a broader victory, Shah said that taking subsequent phases into account, the BJP is poised to form the next government in Bengal.
“Forget the past, vote for Bengal’s bright future and form a BJP government,” he urged voters, while congratulating security agencies and the Election Commission for ensuring “free, fair and fearless” polling.
Shah also pointed to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, claiming it had helped clean up the voter list by removing “fake voters and illegal infiltrators.”
He contrasted the current election environment with 2021, stating that stricter vigilance and improved security arrangements had contributed to smoother polling.
Responding to questions on traditional electoral divides such as gender and regional lines, Shah said the BJP had received support across all sections of society.
“All sections of people, irrespective of age and identity, have voted for the BJP,” he claimed, dismissing narratives around “north vs south Bengal” or “men vs women” voting patterns.
In a broader political assertion, Shah said that regions historically referred to as “Anga, Banga and Kalinga”—present-day Assam, Bengal and Odisha—would see BJP governments soon.
He also reiterated that if voted to power in Bengal, the BJP would appoint a “Bengal-born, Bengali-speaking” Chief Minister.
Follow The Raisina Hills on WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn
About The Author
