Nanoor, April 20 (IANS) With the West Bengal Assembly elections just days away, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday expressed confidence that the BJP will secure a clear majority, adding that the possibility of a two-thirds majority cannot be ruled out.

Speaking to reporters, Singh said that West Bengal has witnessed an atmosphere of fear, violence, and alleged atrocities over the past 15 years. He noted that the people of the state have given three consecutive terms to the Trinamool Congress, adding that such a long tenure should have resulted in substantial development.

“There are many states in the country that have shown remarkable progress within just five to eight years. Earlier, West Bengal contributed around 10 per cent, but under the Trinamool Congress, it has declined to nearly five per cent,” he said.

Appealing to voters, Singh urged the people of West Bengal to opt for change. He also sought to reassure women voters, stating that the Women’s Reservation Bill would be implemented to ensure 33 per cent representation for women.

“I cannot predict the exact number of seats we will win, but I am confident that the BJP will secure a clear majority. I also cannot rule out the possibility of the party achieving a two-thirds majority,” he added.

He further alleged that the Women’s Reservation Bill has been opposed by the Trinamool Congress, Congress, and other opposition parties, and claimed that women would respond to this in the elections.

West Bengal is set to vote in a streamlined two-phase Assembly election, covering all 294 constituencies, an unusual shift from previous multi-phase polls. Voting for the first phase will take place on April 23, followed by the second phase on April 29. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

In Phase 1, polling will be conducted across 152 constituencies in 16 districts, while the remaining 142 constituencies in seven districts will go to the polls in Phase 2, completing the electoral process.

This year’s election marks a notable change in the state’s electoral pattern. After a single-phase election in 2001, West Bengal has typically seen multi-phase polls, including the eight-phase election in 2021. The shift to a two-phase process is being attributed to improved administrative planning and enhanced security arrangements.

–IANS

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