West Bengal Phase 1 polls show ‘wave of change’: Narendra Modi

West Bengal recorded over 92% voter turnout in the first phase of Assembly elections on Thursday. This marks the highest turnout for these constituencies. Voters turned out in large numbers despite a major revision of electoral rolls that removed lakhs of names.

The second and final phase of polling will take place on April 29. The high-stakes contest has intensified as the Bharatiya Janata Party aims to unseat the Trinamool Congress, which has ruled the state for 15 years.

At a rally in Kolkata, Amit Shah said the state will get a “Bengal-born, Bengali-speaking” chief minister if his party comes to power.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said West Bengal and Tamil Nadu recorded their highest polling percentages since Independence. In 152 constituencies, turnout reached 92.35% by late evening. This marks the highest participation since at least 2011.recorded a turnout of 92.35% by late evening, marking the highest participation since at least 2011.

West Bengal 2026: Mamata Banerjee jabs Bharatiya Janata Party over ‘dhokla vs fish’

Mamata Banerjee addressed a rally in Bowbazar and attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party. She said the Prime Minister’s food stop events were “stage-managed” for publicity. She added that organisers planned security and arrangements in advance.

Mocking the BJP, she said she would serve “bhelpuri from Delhi.” She highlighted her familiarity with diverse cuisines. She said she eats dhokla, dosa, fish, chicken curry, and festive dishes. She also told the party not to lecture her on religion.

She questioned the BJP’s confidence in the polls. She asked whether it had “fixed” the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). She also questioned how it could sound so certain about the results.

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West Bengal Narendra Modi warns Trinamool Congress ‘goons’

Narendra Modi said “TMC goons” will have nowhere to hide in West Bengal after the May 4 results. He added that no one will protect them. He also said the high turnout in the first phase signals the end of the Trinamool Congress’s “maha jungle raj.”

At a rally in Dum Dum, Modi said women in West Bengal are driving change in the 21st century. He said they will not tolerate the current situation and will vote to replace the TMC government. He added that many women see the TMC as anti-women, while the Bharatiya Janata Party focuses on women’s empowerment and development.

He also assured women that his government will prioritise their safety above all.

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