BJP wins assembly elections in W Bengal, Assam, Puducherry

Time for change, not revenge: PM Modi

New Delhi, May 4: Riding a strong electoral wave, the BJP secured a historic victory in West Bengal Assembly elections for the first time, while also registering wins in Assam and Puducherry. Addressing party workers at the BJP headquarters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the mandate as a victory of democracy and urged leaders to focus on “change, not revenge.”

Modi said West Bengal has entered a new era free from fear and violence that had long marred elections in the state. He noted that this time polling remained largely peaceful, marking a significant shift. Calling for an end to political hostility, he appealed to all parties to work towards a better future for the state.

Highlighting the broader significance of the results, the Prime Minister said the mandate reflects people’s faith in performance-driven governance and stability. He thanked voters across West Bengal, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, describing the day as a celebration of India’s democratic strength.

Taking a political swipe at opposition parties, Modi alleged that Congress, TMC, and others were punished for opposing the women’s reservation bill. He asserted that women voters played a decisive role in the elections, signaling a shift in political dynamics.

Referring to Assam, Modi said the BJP-led NDA has secured a third consecutive term, attributing the victory to public trust and development initiatives. In Puducherry, he reiterated the party’s commitment to youth and fishermen, promising continued efforts for growth and prosperity.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the BJP’s expanding footprint, stating that the party or its allies are now in power in over 20 states. “Where there is BJP, there is development and good governance,” he said, adding that the party remains committed to serving citizens.

In West Bengal, several BJP leaders registered notable wins. Dilip Ghosh won from Kharagpur Sadar with a significant margin, while Suvendu Adhikari retained Nandigram. Actor-turned-politician Rudranil Ghosh and senior leader Rupa Ganguly also secured victories, along with Swapan Dasgupta and Nisith Pramanik.

However, the party faced setbacks in some constituencies. Rakesh Singh lost in Kolkata Port, and Priyanka Tibrewal was defeated in Entally. Despite these losses, the overall performance marked a major breakthrough for the BJP in the state.

With results declared for most constituencies, the outcome reflects a decisive mandate in favor of the BJP, combining high-profile gains with a few setbacks, and signaling a significant shift in the political landscape of these states.