‘40% strong base’: Amit Shah highlights Bengal’s rising support for BJP over the years
The Statesman | 29 March 2026
Ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday outlined the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) electoral rise in the state, citing vote share and seat gains over the past decade. He also launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Addressing a press conference in Kolkata alongside Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya, Shah said the people of West Bengal have steadily increased their support for the BJP in successive elections.
BJP’s Vote Share Surge in Bengal
Shah presented figures to underline the party’s growth trajectory in the state:
He said these numbers reflect a “strong base of around 40%” support for the BJP in West Bengal.
Sharp Attack on Mamata Banerjee
Targeting Mamata Banerjee, Shah accused the Chief Minister of attempting to gain public sympathy ahead of elections.
He alleged that she often portrays herself as a victim during poll season, claiming illness or injury to influence voters. Shah added that such tactics would not succeed in the upcoming elections.
BJP’s Poll Push in Bengal
The Home Minister said BJP workers have begun campaigning across the state to form the next government.
“Under the leadership of our state president, party workers have stepped into Bengal with the resolve to form a BJP government,” he said.
West Bengal will go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes for both phases is scheduled for May 4.
The upcoming election is expected to witness a high-voltage contest between the BJP and the ruling TMC, with both parties intensifying their campaigns across the state.