BJP has sealed victory in Bengal polls in Phase 1, says Shah; promises swift implementation of CAA

PTI, April 25, 2026, Jamalpur/Shyampur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asserted that the BJP virtually sealed its victory in Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly polls itself, claiming the party would win 110 seats in the first leg of polling and promising swift implementation of the CAA, a crackdown on infiltration, and a "fear-free" Bengal for women after coming to power.

Addressing back-to-back rallies in Jamalpur of Purba Bardhaman district and Shyampur in Howrah, Shah sharpened the BJP's campaign around three of its core Bengal planks — the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) for the Matua community, women's safety, and alleged infiltration from Bangladesh — while projecting the election as a battle to end Mamata Banerjee's rule.

"Voting for the first phase is over. In the very first phase itself, the BJP will win 110 seats, and Didi (Mamata Banerjee) will be thrown out of power. Instead of TMC, BJP will form the government here," Shah said.

Polling was held in 152 of the 294 Assembly constituencies on April 23 and recorded a turnout of nearly 93 per cent.

The second phase of polling for the remaining 142 seats will be held on April 29. Results will be announced on May 4.

With the politically influential Matua community's vote central to BJP's electoral calculations in several border districts, Shah accused Mamata of deliberately blocking the implementation of the CAA and keeping those refugee families in uncertainty for vote-bank politics.

"Didi does not allow the implementation of the CAA. You form the government of the lotus, and after May 5, the BJP government will ensure that every brother and sister of the Matua community receives citizenship," he said.