Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asserted that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is on its way out in West Bengal, citing high voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 as a sign of strong anti-incumbency sentiment.

Shah said the “exceptionally high” voter participation reflects a shift in public mood. According to him, voters have chosen to move from “an atmosphere of fear to one of hope,” adding that similar enthusiasm is expected in the upcoming phases.

He described the first phase as historic, claiming it was the first time elections in Bengal were conducted without fatalities. Shah credited the Election Commission of India, Central forces, and state police for ensuring peaceful polling.

‘Bengal CM will be son of the soil’

Targeting Mamata Banerjee, Shah dismissed claims that the BJP would appoint an “outsider” as Chief Minister. He asserted that the next CM would be a Bengali-speaking BJP worker from the state, adding that “no nephew” would assume the role.

Shah said that after May 5, BJP governance would expand across regions historically referred to as Anga, Banga, and Kalinga, calling it a long-envisioned goal of Narendra Modi that is now nearing reality.

Alleging corruption across 32 sectors amounting to ₹10,000 crore, Shah announced plans to release a White Paper. He also said a retired High Court judge would be appointed to investigate, with assurances that those found guilty would face strict legal consequences.

Law and order, religious concerns raised

Shah accused the current regime of allowing repeated attacks on religious festivals, calling it a “disturbing trend.” He said the BJP’s goal is to establish the rule of law and ensure such incidents do not recur.

Highlighting BJP’s growth in the state, Shah noted that the party has expanded from three seats to 77. “Forming a government is no longer difficult,” he said, adding that it is ultimately the people who decide the mandate.

In a pointed remark, Shah accused Banerjee of opposing every move by Modi. “Whether he eats jhalmuri or takes a boat ride on the Ganges, she objects,” he said.

‘Vote Tsunami’ predicted

Reiterating strong anti-incumbency, Shah claimed that earlier elections were marred by fear and intimidation, but this time voting is taking place freely due to improved security arrangements. He predicted a “vote tsunami” in favour of the BJP.

As the electoral battle intensifies, both Narendra Modi and Shah are leading simultaneous campaign rallies across the state on Friday. From Kolkata to North 24 Parganas and Hooghly, the BJP has launched a mega outreach drive ahead of the crucial next phase of polling.

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