Amit Shah bets big on Bengal: “Anga-Banga-Kalinga” to turn BJP, claims 110+ seats of Phase 1

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday projected a sweeping victory for the BJP in eastern India, declaring that the party is poised to rule across “Anga, Banga and Kalinga”, a reference to the ancient regions broadly corresponding to Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha.

Addressing a press conference in Kolkata a day after the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Shah said the BJP is set to win more than 110 of the 152 seats that went to polls. He framed the outcome as a decisive public mandate for change, citing a record turnout of 92.88%. “People of Bengal broke all records in the first phase and voted with enthusiasm for a change,” he said, adding, “The voters have decided the future of Bengal. The record turnout shows fear is receding.” 

Shah asserted that the BJP would form the next government in the state with a clear majority, expressing confidence that the party’s electoral gains in the first phase would carry through the remaining rounds of polling. “We will have governments in ‘Anga, Banga and Kalinga’ after May,” he said, positioning the BJP’s expansion in eastern India as part of a broader political shift.

The Home Minister also underscored that the party’s chief ministerial face in Bengal would be a local leader. “It will definitely be someone born in Bengal and educated in Bengali medium,” he said, countering allegations by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that the BJP would impose “outsiders” on the state.

Highlighting the conduct of polling, Shah thanked the Election Commission and central forces for ensuring a largely peaceful process. He contrasted the relatively low number of injuries in the current phase with previous elections, noting that “by and large, the elections were conducted peacefully, and the death toll is zero.”

Drawing a link between voter participation and political sentiment, he said the high turnout reflected growing public confidence and a desire for political change. “This increase in voter turnout is a vote for change and for the formation of a BJP government,” he remarked.

In addition, Amit Shah, launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress, alleging widespread corruption and governance failures under its leadership since 2011. He said a BJP government would release a White Paper on alleged irregularities and initiate an investigation under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge.

On law and order, particularly women’s safety, Shah criticised Banerjee’s administration, referencing recent incidents to question the state’s security environment. “A woman Chief Minister who says women should not step out after 7 pm has no right to rule,” he said. “After a BJP government is formed, even a young girl can go out at 1 am without fear.”

He further accused the state government of allowing illegal land encroachments and promised corrective measures similar to those undertaken in Assam. The BJP’s priorities, he said, would include dismantling alleged syndicate networks, curbing corruption, and boosting infrastructure and employment.

Urging voters in the second phase of polling on April 29 to participate without fear, Shah said the election was not merely about changing a government, but about “freeing Bengal from infiltration, corruption and appeasement” while accelerating development. The results for the West Bengal Assembly elections, along with those in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, will be declared on May 4, setting the stage for what the BJP hopes will be a significant breakthrough in the state.