Gangtok, April 25 (IANS) Lok Sabha MP from Darjiling and BJP leader Raju Bista on Saturday expressed confidence that the party could secure between 170 and 180 seats in the West Bengal Assembly elections, citing what he described as a decisive shift in voter sentiment.

Bista made the remarks after arriving at Burtuk Helipad in Gangtok to oversee preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Sikkim on April 27 and 28.

He was accompanied by party leader Dilip Jaiswal as part of efforts to coordinate arrangements for the Prime Minister’s two-day programme, which coincides with celebrations marking nearly 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood.

Addressing media persons, Bista claimed that the BJP is witnessing strong support across West Bengal.

Referring to the first phase of polling, he said voter turnout exceeded 92 per cent and asserted that of the 152 seats that went to polls, around 110 are likely to favour the BJP. He attributed the projected electoral gains to multiple factors, including alleged corruption, lack of employment opportunities leading to migration of youth, and what he termed as long-standing public grievances under previous regimes.

Bista also pointed to demographic concerns in the border state as an issue influencing voter behaviour.

On regional matters, Bista reiterated that a permanent political solution for the Darjeeling hills and the Dooars region is expected by 2026. He added that any such resolution would be pursued strictly within the framework of the Constitution of India.

Turning to Sikkim, the BJP leader described the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit as “historic,” noting that it aligns with the state’s milestone celebrations.

He said the visit would showcase Sikkim’s achievements and draw national attention to its developmental progress.

“The Prime Minister’s presence here is a matter of pride for the people of Sikkim,” Bista said.

He further informed that preparations for the visit, including public programmes and official events, are in full swing, with several BJP leaders already stationed in the state.

Bista added that party national spokesperson Sambit Patra is also in Sikkim as part of the coordination efforts.

PM Modi is scheduled to participate in multiple official engagements during his visit on April 27 and 28.

–IANS

tdr/skp