West Bengal Phase 1 Polls: Amit Shah Eyes 110+ Seats

Kolkata: The political battle in West Bengal intensified on Friday as Union Home Minister Amit Shah projected a commanding lead for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following the first phase of Assembly polls, claiming the party could secure over 110 of the 152 seats that went to vote.

Addressing the media, Shah said internal assessments by the BJP’s state unit indicate a decisive edge. “Based on our evaluation, the BJP is likely to cross 110 seats in Phase 1 alone,” he stated, adding that early signals from subsequent phases suggest the party is on track to form the next government in West Bengal.

🚨BIG BREAKING

BJP is winning 110 seats out of 152 seats where elections were conducted yesterday in West Bengal -said Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah from his Kolkata press conference. pic.twitter.com/5oHqhSQga7

— Janta Journal (@JantaJournal) April 24, 2026

High Turnout Fuels Political Spin

The first phase, held on Thursday, recorded a striking 91.4% voter turnout—among the highest in the state’s recent electoral history—highlighting intense public engagement in a fiercely contested election.

A day earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi linked the surge in turnout to what he described as voters breaking free from fear under the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). He credited women and young voters for driving participation, asserting that “fear is being defeated and trust is prevailing.”

Mamata Rejects BJP Narrative

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed the BJP’s claims, arguing that the high turnout reflects growing support for the TMC and public resentment over issues like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

“The people have come out in large numbers because they want to defend what is at stake,” Banerjee said during a campaign event in Kolkata. Taking aim at the Prime Minister’s remarks, she questioned the timing: “How can victory be declared while polling is still ongoing?”

She further claimed that early trends indicate the TMC has already gained ground after Phase 1.

High-Stakes Contest Across 152 Seats

Polling in Phase 1 covered 152 constituencies across 16 districts, marking a crucial segment of the 294-seat Assembly. With both BJP and TMC projecting confidence, the contest is shaping into a high-voltage political showdown as the remaining phases unfold.

While official results remain weeks away, the narrative battle has clearly begun—with turnout figures emerging as the central talking point in a tightly fought election.