BJP's Praveen Khandelwal Claims Opposition in West Bengal is 'Panicking'
Synopsis
As West Bengal gears up for critical Assembly elections, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal asserts that opposition parties are in turmoil, while the BJP remains confident in voter support. The high-stakes battle continues as Mamata Banerjee raises concerns about electoral integrity.
Key Takeaways
Praveen Khandelwal asserts the opposition is panicking ahead of elections.
The BJP is gaining momentum as they prepare for governance in West Bengal.
Mamata Banerjee criticizes the election process and claims voter manipulation.
Voting will occur in two phases on April 23 and April 29.
Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
New Delhi, April 10 (NationPress) BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal remarked on Friday that opposition factions in West Bengal are currently "experiencing significant anxiety" as the state approaches vital Assembly elections. He expressed confidence that voters are ready to elevate the BJP to governance.
Khandelwal stated in an interview with IANS, "The core issue is that opposition parties, regardless of their identity, are indeed in a state of distress. This distress arises from the fact that the citizens of West Bengal have resolved to establish a government with a decisive majority led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Bharatiya Janata Party is poised to assume power in West Bengal. The current condition and trajectory of opposition parties is quite unfavorable..."
This declaration comes at a time of escalated political campaigning in the state, where the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP are embroiled in a fierce electoral contest.
The TMC, under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's leadership, has mounted a vigorous counter-offensive against the BJP, which has been expanding its political outreach in Bengal following recent electoral victories in neighboring Bihar. The BJP aims to mirror that success in West Bengal and challenge the ruling party’s long-standing dominance.
Voting for the West Bengal Assembly elections is set to occur in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The initial phase will encompass 152 constituencies, with the remaining 142 seats going to the polls in the subsequent phase. The counting of ballots is scheduled for May 4.
In the meantime, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her critique of the electoral process, alleging widespread voter manipulation. She accused the so-called "compromised" Election Commission and the BJP of trying to distort the mandate by removing nearly 91 lakh voters from the electoral rolls.
"These were not mere (logical) discrepancies but rather conspiracies to exclude voters, particularly in districts where TMC emerged victorious.... The people will respond to them for their opposition to women, farmers, laborers, youth, minorities, SCs, and STs," Banerjee asserted.
She further called upon voters to participate en masse, stating, "Cast your vote in such a way that no one dares to label any of us infiltrators ever again," adding that she would guarantee that no legitimate voter is overlooked in the electoral roll.
Point of View
The competing narratives from the BJP and TMC highlight a significant electoral moment. Both parties are mobilizing their bases ahead of the crucial Assembly elections, with claims and counterclaims about voter integrity and party strength shaping the discourse.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Praveen Khandelwal say about the opposition in West Bengal?
Praveen Khandelwal claimed that opposition parties are 'in a state of panic' as the state approaches the Assembly elections, suggesting that voters are ready to support the BJP.
When are the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled?
The elections will take place in two phases: on April 23 and April 29, with vote counting set for May 4.
What accusations did Mamata Banerjee make regarding the elections?
Mamata Banerjee accused the Election Commission and the BJP of attempting to manipulate the electoral process by excluding nearly 91 lakh voters from the rolls.
What is the significance of the BJP's campaigning in West Bengal?
The BJP aims to replicate its recent electoral successes from neighboring Bihar and challenge the long-standing dominance of the ruling TMC in West Bengal.
How has the TMC responded to the BJP's claims?
The TMC, led by Mamata Banerjee, has mounted a strong counter-offensive against the BJP amidst accusations of voter manipulation and attempts to undermine the election process.
