Kolkata, April 24:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday struck a confident note ahead of the second phase of polling in West Bengal, asserting that the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate would be “someone born in Bengal and educated in Bengali.”
Addressing a public gathering, Shah emphasised the party’s intent to project a leader deeply rooted in the state’s culture and identity, countering criticism that the BJP lacks a strong local face.
Confident of Electoral Gains
Looking ahead to the ongoing electoral battle, Shah exuded confidence that the BJP would secure a decisive mandate. He claimed that the party is on track to win 110 out of the 152 seats going to polls in the current phases, signalling strong momentum in its favour.
The remarks come as campaigning intensifies for Phase 2 of the elections, with both the BJP and the ruling All India Trinamool Congress stepping up their outreach across key constituencies.
Pitch for ‘Double-Engine’ Government
Reiterating the party’s core campaign plank, Shah said that West Bengal stands to benefit from a “double-engine government”—a term the BJP uses to describe having the same party in power at both the Centre and the state.
According to Shah, such an arrangement would accelerate development, improve governance, and ensure better coordination in implementing welfare schemes.
Political Contest Heats Up
The BJP’s aggressive push comes amid a high-stakes contest with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been leading the Trinamool Congress campaign with a focus on regional identity and welfare achievements.
With multiple phases of polling still underway, political observers note that voter turnout and local alliances could play a decisive role in shaping the final outcome.
As the campaign enters a crucial stage, Shah’s remarks underline the BJP’s attempt to combine national leadership with a locally resonant narrative in its bid to expand its footprint in West Bengal.
