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Bengal BJP Chief Calls for Change to Restore State's Dignity After Polls

West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya claimed the Bengali diaspora seeks change to restore the state's identity allegedly destroyed by the Trinamool Congress. He highlighted a record 92.85% voter turnout in the first two phases of Assembly polls, calling it a violence-free election unseen in independent India. Bhattacharya expressed confidence in a BJP clean sweep and promised a party on May 4. He also raised concerns about EVM tampering allegations in eight to ten booths, which were reported to the Election Commission.

Key Points: Bengal Needs Change to Restore Dignity: BJP Chief Bhattacharya

  • BJP claims Bengali diaspora wants change to restore state's dignity
  • Record 92.85% voter turnout in two phases of West Bengal polls
  • Bhattacharya says TMC destroyed Bengal's culture and education
  • BJP leader confident of clean sweep, promises party on May 4
2 min read

Change needed to bring back Bengal's dignity, says state BJP chief Bhattacharya

West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya says the Bengali diaspora seeks change to bring back the state's identity destroyed by Trinamool Congress.

"This was an election for change... to bring back Bengal's dignity, culture, business and education - Samik Bhattacharya"

Kolkata, April 30

A day after the conclusion of the two-phased Assembly polls, West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya on Thursday claimed that the entire Bengali diaspora seeks a change to bring back the state's identity that has allegedly been "destroyed" by the Trinamool Congress.

He underlined that such a violence-free election with a massive voter turnout has not been seen by the people of West Bengal in the history of independent India.

The polling percentage in the second phase of elections for 142 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal on April 29 was recorded at 92.47 till midnight, thus taking the overall average percentage in the two phases to a record high of 92.85.

"This was an election for change. Not just the change of government or leader, rather the change was necessary to bring back Bengal's dignity, culture, business and education, which was destroyed by the Trinamool Congress," Bhattacharya told reporters.

He added: "The people had already thought about this change three months back."

Further, the BJP leader maintained that it is the government's intention that matters in conducting peaceful elections in West Bengal.

"Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have changed their election culture but that had not taken place in West Bengal. Society does not expect such an unfortunate situation from a state like this," he said.

According to the Bengal BJP chief, this time, the entire focus of the people was that the state should undergo a complete transformation.

"It wasn't just the people living in West Bengal, there was a sentiment for change across the entire Bengali diaspora. Not only those who speak Bengali, but also those who have a connection to West Bengal, people who once lived there, those who moved to other states, or even went abroad but still have their roots in West Bengal, all of them wanted change this time," he said.

About reports alleging tapes on Electronic Voting Machines, he said: "It is a serious accusation and has taken place in at least eight to ten booths. There are other complaints too. We have taken those to the Election Commission; it will take a decision."

Though he refused to comment on the exit polls, majority of which have given BJP an edge in Bengal, Bhattacharya expressed confidence of the party's clean sweep in the state.

"We will give a party to everyone on behalf of the BJP on May 4," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I'm a teacher in a small town in West Bengal. The 'dignity' he talks about is important, but what about actual issues like unemployment and education? My students still don't have proper classrooms. BJP and TMC both talk big but ground reality remains same. Let's see if change really happens or it's just another election promise. 🤔
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Sarah B
Interesting to read about the voter turnout - 92.85% is truly impressive! I'm from the US but have always admired India's democratic spirit. The fact that people are so passionate about voting, even in difficult conditions, speaks volumes. Hope the election results bring stability and prosperity to West Bengal.
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Vikram M
I respect the sentiment but this constant 'Bengal's dignity destroyed' narrative is getting old. TMC has done some good work too - Kanyashree scheme, rural roads, etc. Yes, there are issues like political violence and corruption, but let's be factual. Both parties need to focus on development rather than just mudslinging. Akhono somoy ache (There is still time). 😌
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Michael C
Living in London and following this closely. The Bengali diaspora sentiment is real - many of my friends from Kolkata are hoping for change. But the violence-free election claim is debatable given the reports of EVM tampering and booth capturing allegations. Transparency will be key to accepting the results. Let the EC do its job properly.
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Ananya R
As someone living in Bengaluru now,

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