Kolkata, April 21 (NationPress) As the eagerly awaited West Bengal Assembly elections draw near, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta proclaimed on Tuesday that she is confident the residents of the state are ready to elect a government symbolized by the Lotus.

In a statement to the media, Gupta noted that as the voting date approaches, the morale of her party is significantly increasing.

“Every citizen in Bengal, who has faced 15 long years of politics filled with fear and intimidation, is now resolute in their demand for change. The climate of oppression has only escalated over the years, yet the populace seems determined. They are prepared to usher in a government that embodies the Lotus symbol this time. After the results on May 4, it will feel like a new dawn where every individual is honored,” she stated.

The Delhi Chief Minister also took aim at the current state government, claiming that West Bengal has been mired in difficulties for a prolonged period. She raised alarms regarding the safety of women, asserting that a pervasive atmosphere of fear exists.

“How can women and daughters navigate their daily lives here? There are claims of governance by goons associated with the Trinamool Congress. Women cannot venture out safely, and if they do, they face scrutiny. Incidents like the RG Kar case illustrate that even under a woman Chief Minister, women do not feel secure. This is deeply regrettable,” she added.

Gupta further accused the state of rampant corruption, particularly in the form of ‘cut money’.

“Whether it involves employment, government positions, or any official matters, progress is halted without ‘cut money.’ Farmers are suffering as they are not receiving their rightful payments, the youth are disillusioned due to job scarcity, and women feel endangered. Under these circumstances, why would the public favor the current leadership? That is the central question,” she remarked.

She also suggested that Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, should redirect her focus towards her campaign.

“I believe Mamata Banerjee should prioritize her electoral strategies. The ground is shifting beneath her. Rather than reacting to others, she should pay close attention to what the electorate is expressing,” Gupta advised.

In related news, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar assured on Monday that the Election Commission will “leave no stone unturned” to guarantee free and fair elections in the state.

The Election Commission of India has also mandated a 48-hour ‘Dry Day’ in regions heading to the polls in West Bengal, as well as in Tamil Nadu, to ensure order and fairness during the voting process.

West Bengal will experience a two-phase Assembly election that encompasses all 294 constituencies, marking a change from the multi-phase polling previously seen. The initial phase of voting is scheduled for April 23, followed by the second phase on April 29. The counting of votes is set for May 4.

In Phase 1, the election will take place across 152 constituencies spanning 16 districts. The subsequent 142 constituencies across seven districts will vote in Phase 2, concluding the electoral process.

This year’s election signifies a remarkable shift from historical patterns. While a single-phase election occurred in 2001, most recent elections have involved multiple phases, including the eight-phase election in 2021. The transition to a two-phase system is attributed to better administrative planning and enhanced security measures.