As early counting trends indicate a possible shift in power in West Bengal, the statement has gained significant traction in political discourse. The high-intensity campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party, marked by extensive rallies and outreach led by the Prime Minister, is being reflected in the evolving trends.
If the early leads are confirmed in the final results, it would mark the first time since Independence that the Bharatiya Janata Party forms a government in West Bengal.
In the initial four hours of counting on Monday, the Bharatiya Janata Party surged ahead of the ruling All India Trinamool Congress. By the afternoon, trends were available for 266 of the total 293 Assembly seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party was leading in 192 seats, while the All India Trinamool Congress was ahead in 92 seats. The Left Front–AISF alliance and AJEUP were each leading in one seat.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was reported to be leading from the high-profile Bhabanipur constituency in South Kolkata against BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari. Simultaneously, Suvendu Adhikari was also reported to be ahead in Nandigram in the East Midnapore district, where he is contesting in this election as well.
State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal stated that prior permission from district authorities will be mandatory for any victory procession. He also urged all political parties to ensure peace after the declaration of results and to strictly avoid any form of violence.
As a precautionary measure, the Election Commission of India has decided to continue the deployment of 700 companies of central forces across the state for an indefinite period to prevent any post-poll violence similar to incidents reported in 2021. Additionally, re-polling has been scheduled for May 21 at the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district, with results set to be announced on May 24.
The unfolding developments, combined with the resurfacing of the Prime Minister’s earlier statement, have intensified political momentum as West Bengal awaits its final electoral outcome.
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