Amit Shah Claims Strong BJP Prospects After High Turnout in West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 Phase 1
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on April 24 said the high voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 indicates a desire for political change, expressing confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will secure a majority of the seats contested in this phase.
Key Announcements / Highlights
- Amit Shah projected that the BJP could win over 110 of the 152 seats polled in Phase 1.
- He attributed high voter turnout to public demand for political change.
- Shah stated that polling was comparatively more peaceful than in previous elections.
- The next phase of voting is scheduled for April 29, with counting on May 4.
Official Statement
Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Shah said the high turnout reflects strong public participation and support for the BJP. He thanked voters for turning out in large numbers and described the polling percentage as a sign of shifting political preferences.
On concerns around election-related violence, Shah said the first phase saw fewer incidents compared to past elections. He cited official figures indicating that fewer than 30 people were injured and no fatalities were reported.
Shah also criticised Mamata Banerjee, alleging that claims about “outsiders” governing the state were misleading. He stated that, if elected, the BJP would choose a Chief Minister from within the state.
Context / Background
The West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 are being conducted in multiple phases to manage logistics and security across the state. A total of 152 constituencies went to polls in the first phase.
High voter turnout is often interpreted by political parties as a sign of strong public engagement, though its electoral implications vary and are confirmed only after results are declared by the Election Commission of India.
Both the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress have made competing claims about voter sentiment following the first round of polling.
Public Impact
High participation in elections reflects increased civic engagement and ensures broader representation in the democratic process. For voters, it underscores the importance of electoral participation in shaping state governance.
At the same time, claims made by political leaders during election periods are part of campaign narratives and do not determine final outcomes, which depend on official counting.
With Phase 1 completed, attention now turns to the next round of polling scheduled for April 29, covering the remaining constituencies. The results of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 will be announced on May 4, when the final electoral outcome becomes clear.
Inputs & Images: Hindusthan Samachar
Edited by: Pushkarini Annabathula
Also Read : CTET RESULT 2026 EXPECTED SOON: CBSE LIKELY TO ANNOUNCE FEBRUARY EXAM RESULTS ON OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Add republicpost.in as preferred source on google – Click Here
Last Updated on: Friday, April 24, 2026 3:20 pm by Pushkarini Annabathula | Published by: Pushkarini Annabathula on Friday, April 24, 2026 3:20 pm | News Categories: Latest
About The Author
