India
oi-Swastika Sruti
As West Bengal heads towards assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a major rally in West Bardhaman, outlining the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) plans for the state. His speech focused on leadership, border security, law and order, and allegations against the ruling party.
“Bengal Will Get Its Own Chief Minister”
At the rally, Amit Shah assured voters that if the BJP comes to power, the chief minister will be someone from Bengal. He dismissed claims that the party would appoint an outsider, stressing that the leader would be “Bengal-born and brought up.”
Without naming him directly, Shah also targeted Abhishek Banerjee, referring to him as “bhaipo” (nephew), and said he would never become the chief minister.
He urged voters to support the BJP by “pressing the lotus button” in the upcoming elections.
Sukna, West Bengal: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, “I wanted to come to Darjeeling, but I could not reach there earlier as the helicopter was not permitted to take off due to bad weather conditions. At that time, I had said through video conferencing that I would definitely… pic.twitter.com/dFeRxDGXE4
— IANS (@ians_india) April 21, 2026“>
Focus on Border Security
Speaking at a rally in Kulti, Shah highlighted border security as a key issue. He said that if the BJP forms the government, steps would be taken within 45 days to strengthen border fencing.
According to him:
- Land will be handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF)
- Pending fencing work will be completed quickly
He claimed that the borders would be secured so strictly that “not only humans, but even birds” would not be able to cross. Shah added that the election is not just about forming a government, but about addressing the issue of illegal infiltration.
#WATCH | West Bengal Elections 2026 | Darjeeling | Union Minister Amit Shah says, “Under the rule of Mamata Banerjee, numerous women suffered atrocities, Sandeshkhali incidents have brought shame to Bengal… Each and every offender of the crimes in Bengal will be sent behind… pic.twitter.com/ZqZ3L0kh3R
— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2026“>
Allegations Against TMC and Corruption Claims
Amit Shah strongly criticised Mamata Banerjee and her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC). He accused them of being involved in multiple scams in the state.
He told the crowd to “wait for May 5,” suggesting that strict action would be taken against those involved in corruption if the BJP comes to power.
Shah also accused the current government of spreading misinformation about the BJP’s leadership plans, again repeating that the next chief minister would be from Bengal.
Law and Order and Poll Security
The Union Home Minister raised concerns about law and order in the state. Referring to the deployment of central armed police forces during elections, he warned that any attempt to disturb the voting process would be handled strictly.
He said:
- Those trying to disrupt polling would face firm action
- “Goons” interfering in elections would not be tolerated
Shah also criticised the state government over women’s safety, saying that despite having a female chief minister, the situation on the ground remains concerning.
Economic Issues and Kulti’s Decline
Touching on local concerns, Shah pointed to Kulti’s past as a major iron production hub. He claimed that under the current government, the area has seen economic decline and industries have suffered.
Using this example, he questioned the state’s economic management and promised that a BJP government would work to improve industrial growth.
He also said that action would be taken against criminal networks, adding that “all mafia” groups in the state would be identified and dealt with after the elections.
Promise to Resolve the Gorkha Issue
At another rally in Kurseong in North Bengal, Shah addressed the long-standing Gorkha issue. He promised that if the BJP forms the government, the matter would be resolved within six months.
This assurance is aimed at voters in the hill regions, where the demand has been a key political issue for many years.
Election Dates and What Lies Ahead
West Bengal will vote in two phases:
- April 23, 2026
- April 29, 2026
The counting of votes will take place on May 4, 2026.
