By Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensified the BJP’s campaign in West Bengal with back-to-back rallies ahead of the crucial second phase of polling, expressing strong confidence that the final leg of voting will tilt the balance in favour of his party. Framing the election as a turning point for the state, Modi said the momentum built in the first phase would carry through to deliver a decisive outcome.
His remarks come at a time when Bengal has already recorded an unusually high voter turnout in the opening phase—an indicator that both sides are interpreting in their favour. Modi, however, presented it as a clear sign of public demand for political change, arguing that voters have responded enthusiastically to the BJP’s campaign on governance and development.
Targeting the ruling All India Trinamool Congress, the Prime Minister accused the state government of failing to maintain law and order and allowing a culture of intimidation to take root. He alleged that governance in the state has been overshadowed by criminal elements, a charge that has become a recurring theme in BJP’s campaign messaging.
Modi also linked the high turnout in phase one to what he described as a shift in public sentiment. According to him, the scale of participation reflects growing dissatisfaction with the current administration and a willingness among voters to explore an alternative. While such claims remain politically contested, they underline the BJP’s strategy of projecting confidence and momentum as the election progresses.
The campaign push is particularly significant as West Bengal heads into the second and final phase of polling on April 29, covering the remaining constituencies. With results scheduled for May 4, both the BJP and the All India Trinamool Congress are sharpening their narratives in a tightly fought contest.
For the BJP, the message from the top leadership is clear—convert voter turnout into votes and maintain pressure through the final stretch. Modi’s rallies, therefore, are not just about criticism of the opposition but also about energising party workers and reinforcing the belief that victory is within reach.
As the campaign enters its final stage, the focus now shifts to whether this confidence translates into electoral gains, or whether the incumbent retains its grip on power.
