Daijiworld Media Network - Nanoor

Nanoor, Apr 20: With the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday voiced strong confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s prospects, stating that the party is poised to secure a clear majority. He also suggested that a two-thirds mandate remains a possibility.

Addressing reporters, Singh criticized the current political climate in the state, alleging that West Bengal has experienced years of fear, violence, and unrest under Trinamool Congress rule. He pointed out that the party has governed for three consecutive terms, arguing that such a prolonged tenure should have translated into significant development.

Singh further claimed that while several states have made rapid progress within a short span of five to eight years, West Bengal’s contribution has declined. He stated that the state’s share, once around 10 per cent, has reduced to nearly five per cent under the present government.

Urging voters to support a change in leadership, Singh also focused on women’s representation, assuring that the Women’s Reservation Bill would be implemented to guarantee 33 per cent reservation for women.

While refraining from predicting an exact seat tally, he reiterated his belief that the BJP will achieve a decisive victory. He also alleged that opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress and Congress, have resisted the Women’s Reservation Bill, expressing confidence that women voters would respond accordingly at the ballot box.

The upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections will be conducted in a two-phase format, covering all 294 constituencies—marking a departure from the multi-phase polling seen in previous years. The first phase of voting is scheduled for April 23, followed by the second phase on April 29. Vote counting will take place on May 4.

In the first phase, 152 constituencies across 16 districts will go to the polls, while the remaining 142 constituencies in seven districts will vote in the second phase, concluding the electoral process.

This election cycle represents a shift in the state’s polling approach. After a single-phase election in 2001, West Bengal has typically held elections in multiple phases, including the eight-phase polls in 2021. The move to a two-phase system this year is being attributed to improved administrative preparedness and strengthened security measures.