Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday asserted that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal is on its way out, predicting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will form the next government in the state with an absolute majority. Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, Shah highlighted the record voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 as a clear indicator of the people's desire for change.
Amit Shah's Bold Prediction
Addressing the media, Shah declared, "The TMC's exit is imminent. The BJP is going to form the government in Bengal with an absolute majority." He further added that the regions of Anga, Vanga, and Kalinga would soon have BJP governments in the coming months, referring to historical regions that encompass parts of present-day West Bengal, Odisha, and beyond.
Record Voter Turnout in Phase 1
The first phase of the assembly elections witnessed an unprecedented voter turnout, which Shah attributed to the public's disillusionment with the TMC administration. "The people of Bengal have made their choice clear. They want development, peace, and good governance under the BJP," he said.
Shah's comments come amid a high-voltage campaign in the state, where the BJP has been aggressively challenging the TMC's dominance. The Home Minister also took a swipe at the TMC leadership, accusing them of corruption and mismanagement.
Political Reactions
The TMC, however, dismissed Shah's claims as mere rhetoric. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, "Amit Shah's predictions are baseless. The people of Bengal will once again reject the BJP's divisive politics and re-elect the TMC with a strong mandate."
Political analysts note that the BJP's performance in West Bengal has been improving steadily since the 2021 assembly elections, where it emerged as the main opposition. The 2026 elections are seen as a crucial test for both parties.
What's at Stake
The West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 are being held in multiple phases, with the first phase covering several constituencies across the state. The BJP is aiming to unseat the TMC, which has been in power since 2011. Key issues in the campaign include unemployment, law and order, and alleged corruption in the TMC government.
Shah's reference to Anga, Vanga, and Kalinga—ancient regions that roughly correspond to parts of Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha—was seen as an attempt to evoke a sense of historical and cultural unity under BJP rule. The Home Minister expressed confidence that the BJP's governance model would soon extend to these areas.
Looking Ahead
As the election progresses, all eyes are on the remaining phases. The BJP has left no stone unturned in its campaign, with top leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah holding multiple rallies across the state. The TMC, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is putting up a fierce fight, banking on its welfare schemes and grassroots connect.
The final results will be declared after all phases of voting are completed. Until then, the political drama in West Bengal continues to unfold.
