Bengal BJP chief Bhattacharya: Change needed to restore state's dignity
Synopsis
With West Bengal clocking a record 92.85% voter turnout across two phases, BJP state chief Samik Bhattacharya is framing the mandate as far more than a routine election — calling it a civilisational push to restore Bengal's dignity, culture, and identity allegedly eroded under TMC rule. The BJP is confident enough to announce a victory celebration for May 4.
Key Takeaways
West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya on 30 April claimed the Bengali diaspora seeks change to restore the state's identity.
The two-phase West Bengal Assembly election recorded a record average turnout of 92.85% , with the second phase alone clocking 92.47% across 142 constituencies .
Bhattacharya alleged that Bengal's "dignity, culture, business and education" were destroyed by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) .
EVM tape allegations reported in "at least eight to ten booths" have been escalated to the Election Commission of India .
The BJP has announced a victory celebration on May 4 , expressing confidence of a clean sweep despite declining to comment on exit polls.
West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Samik Bhattacharya on Thursday, 30 April declared that the entire Bengali diaspora is seeking a decisive change to reclaim the state's identity, which he alleged has been "destroyed" by the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). His remarks came a day after the conclusion of the two-phased West Bengal Assembly elections.
Record Voter Turnout
The second phase of polling, held on 29 April across 142 Assembly constituencies, recorded a voter turnout of 92.47% till midnight. This pushed the overall average across both phases to a record high of 92.85%. Bhattacharya underlined that such a violence-free election with a massive voter turnout has not been witnessed in West Bengal in the history of independent India.
What Bhattacharya Said
"This was an election for change. Not just the change of government or leader, rather the change was necessary to bring back Bengal's dignity, culture, business and education, which was destroyed by the Trinamool Congress," Bhattacharya told reporters. He added that the people had "already thought about this change three months back."
The BJP state chief further argued that it is the government's intention that matters in conducting peaceful elections. "Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have changed their election culture but that had not taken place in West Bengal. Society does not expect such an unfortunate situation from a state like this," he said.
Bengali Diaspora Sentiment
Bhattacharya stressed that the desire for change extended well beyond the state's borders. "It wasn't just the people living in West Bengal, there was a sentiment for change across the entire Bengali diaspora. Not only those who speak Bengali, but also those who have a connection to West Bengal, people who once lived there, those who moved to other states, or even went abroad but still have their roots in West Bengal, all of them wanted change this time," he said.
EVM Tape Allegations and Election Commission
Responding to reports alleging tapes on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Bhattacharya called it a "serious accusation" and said the issue was reported in "at least eight to ten booths." He confirmed that the BJP has escalated these complaints to the Election Commission of India (ECI), which he said will take a decision on the matter.
BJP's Confidence Ahead of Results
Though Bhattacharya declined to comment on exit polls — a majority of which have reportedly given the BJP an edge in Bengal — he expressed strong confidence in the party's performance. "We will give a party to everyone on behalf of the BJP on May 4," he said, signalling an expectation of a clean sweep. The counting of votes is set to determine whether the record turnout translates into the political shift the BJP is banking on.
Point of View
Culture, and pride. The record 92.85% turnout is a double-edged statistic: the BJP reads it as anti-incumbency surge, but high turnout in Bengal has historically also reflected TMC's organisational muscle. The EVM tape complaint, escalated to the Election Commission, is a contingency narrative — one that could be amplified if results disappoint. The real story will be told on counting day, not in press conferences.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya say after the West Bengal election?
Bhattacharya claimed the Bengali diaspora seeks a change to restore Bengal's dignity, culture, business, and education, which he alleged were destroyed by the Trinamool Congress. He expressed confidence in a BJP clean sweep and announced a victory celebration on May 4.
What was the voter turnout in the West Bengal Assembly elections?
The overall average voter turnout across both phases of the West Bengal Assembly elections reached a record high of 92.85%. The second phase, held on 29 April across 142 constituencies, recorded 92.47% turnout till midnight.
What are the EVM tape allegations in West Bengal elections?
Reports alleged that tapes were found on Electronic Voting Machines in at least eight to ten booths. BJP's Samik Bhattacharya called it a serious accusation and confirmed the party has filed complaints with the Election Commission of India, which will take a decision.
When are the West Bengal election results expected?
While the exact counting date is not specified in the announcement, BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya has announced a party celebration on May 4, signalling the BJP expects results to be declared by then.
Why is the BJP framing the West Bengal election as a contest for Bengal's identity?
The BJP, through Bhattacharya, has argued that the election goes beyond a change of government — it is about reclaiming Bengal's cultural, educational, and economic identity. The party alleges these were eroded under TMC rule, a framing designed to appeal to both resident voters and the Bengali diaspora across India and abroad.
