'Will win 110 seats in phase-1': Amit Shah predicts BJP sweep after record turnout in Bengal polls

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday claimed the Bharatiya Janata Party was on course to form the next government in West Bengal with an absolute majority, citing the high voter turnout in the first phase of the 2026 Assembly elections and sharply attacking Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Shah said feedback received by the party showed voters had already made up their minds."In the feedback we have received, the people of Bengal have decided their future at the first phase... 92.98% voting done on the 52 seats in the 16 districts meant that Didi is about go and BJP is set to come, fear is about to go and trust is going to come."He added: "We have done an assessment with all the members of the committee last night.... BJP is going to win more than 110 seats out of 152 seats... This means that after the second election phase, we are going to make the government of the BJP purely in Bengal."Shah used campaign slogans to project the BJP’s momentum, saying: "Didi jaane waali hai, BJP aane waala hai." He also claimed, "People have decided to vote out didi."The senior BJP leader said a Bengal-born, Bengali-speaking person would become chief minister if the BJP came to power.He described the first phase turnout as a sign of demand for change."Yesterday, in the first phase of voting for the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections, Breaking all records, the people of Bengal voted with unprecedented enthusiasm and zeal for change in Bengal. The voter turnout is encouraging for those across the country who believe in democracy... I want to congratulate and thank all the voters of Bengal who cast their votes in the first phase. You have begun the journey from fear to trust so successfully, and the voters of the second phase will also continue this journey from fear to trust."Shah also targeted the Trinamool Congress government over corruption and governance."...after the formation of the BJP government, traders will not have to give any 'Bhatija Tax' or 'Bhaipo Tax'. We will end the syndicate.The administration that has been politicised and criminalised has become a kind of demon. We will liberate the people of Bengal from this demon."He accused the Mamata Banerjee government of institutionalising corruption."Mamata Banerjee has done the work of institutionalising corruption. Through more than 30 frauds, more than Rs 10,000 crores of corruption has taken place in Bengal. Our government will definitely provide a corrupt-free, transparent administration."Shah said the BJP would investigate corruption allegations through a retired Supreme Court judge and ensure punishment for the guilty.He also made promises on women’s safety, saying the BJP’s first priority would be security for women in Bengal."Today, I want to assure the mothers and sisters of Bengal that on the 5th, after the government of the BJP is formed, even at 1 o'clock at night, a small girl will leave with a scooter; no goon will be able to look at her."Referring to the RG Kar and Sandeshkhali controversies, Shah said victims would have a voice in the Assembly.On election management, he praised the Election Commission, CAPFs and Bengal Police."Because after a long period in Bengal, not a single person has died (during the elections). This type of election has taken place, which is a wonder in itself..."Shah concluded by claiming a wave in favour of the BJP.“I am witnessing a tsunami (in support of BJP). I feel that we will win seats with a huge margin… I visited Madhyamgram yesterday and witnessed massive support.”