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BJP Eyes Two-Thirds Majority in Bengal, Says Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed strong confidence in the BJP's prospects, stating the party will secure a clear majority and could even achieve a two-thirds mandate in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. He criticized the long tenure of the Trinamool Congress, alleging it led to an atmosphere of fear and a decline in the state's economic contribution. Singh highlighted the Women's Reservation Bill as a key issue, claiming opposition parties have opposed it. The state will vote in a streamlined two-phase process on April 23 and 29, a shift from previous multi-phase elections.

Key Points: Rajnath Singh Confident of BJP Majority in Bengal Polls

  • BJP confident of clear majority
  • Singh cites Bengal's developmental decline
  • Women's Reservation Bill a key issue
  • Election streamlined to two phases
  • Voting on April 23 and 29
2 min read

Can't rule out BJP getting two-thirds majority: Rajnath Singh ahead of Bengal polls

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh predicts a clear, possibly two-thirds, BJP majority in the West Bengal Assembly elections, citing a need for change.

"I cannot predict the exact number of seats... but I am confident that the BJP will secure a clear majority. - Rajnath Singh"

Nanoor, April 20

With the West Bengal Assembly elections just days away, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday expressed confidence that the BJP will secure a clear majority, adding that the possibility of a two-thirds majority cannot be ruled out.

Speaking to reporters, Singh said that West Bengal has witnessed an atmosphere of fear, violence, and alleged atrocities over the past 15 years. He noted that the people of the state have given three consecutive terms to the Trinamool Congress, adding that such a long tenure should have resulted in substantial development.

"There are many states in the country that have shown remarkable progress within just five to eight years. Earlier, West Bengal contributed around 10 per cent, but under the Trinamool Congress, it has declined to nearly five per cent," he said.

Appealing to voters, Singh urged the people of West Bengal to opt for change. He also sought to reassure women voters, stating that the Women's Reservation Bill would be implemented to ensure 33 per cent representation for women.

"I cannot predict the exact number of seats we will win, but I am confident that the BJP will secure a clear majority. I also cannot rule out the possibility of the party achieving a two-thirds majority," he added.

He further alleged that the Women's Reservation Bill has been opposed by the Trinamool Congress, Congress, and other opposition parties, and claimed that women would respond to this in the elections.

West Bengal is set to vote in a streamlined two-phase Assembly election, covering all 294 constituencies, an unusual shift from previous multi-phase polls. Voting for the first phase will take place on April 23, followed by the second phase on April 29. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

In Phase 1, polling will be conducted across 152 constituencies in 16 districts, while the remaining 142 constituencies in seven districts will go to the polls in Phase 2, completing the electoral process.

This year's election marks a notable change in the state's electoral pattern. After a single-phase election in 2001, West Bengal has typically seen multi-phase polls, including the eight-phase election in 2021. The shift to a two-phase process is being attributed to improved administrative planning and enhanced security arrangements.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Two-thirds majority seems like a very tall claim for Bengal. The ground reality is complex. But he is right about one thing - where is the development? So many young people are leaving the state for opportunities elsewhere. 🤔
R
Rohit P
The focus on women's reservation is a smart political move. If implemented properly, it can bring a huge change. But all parties make promises before elections. Let's see what actually happens on the ground after the results.
S
Sarah B
Watching from abroad, the shift from 10% to 5% contribution to the national GDP is a staggering statistic. That's a serious economic argument. Hope the election is peaceful and the people's voice is heard clearly.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, such confident predictions before the vote can sometimes backfire. Bengal has its own unique political culture. While development is needed, the campaign should focus more on concrete plans rather than just seat projections.
M
Meera T
The atmosphere of fear he mentions is real. My aunt is a school teacher in Murshidabad and she is scared to even discuss politics. A streamlined two-phase election is good, but will it be enough to ensure safety? That's the big question.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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