Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Monday, 4 May said the people of West Bengal had made a "thoughtful decision" in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as early trends in the state's Assembly elections showed the party taking a lead. Sirsa also expressed confidence that the BJP would form its government in Punjab in 2027.

Sirsa on Bengal's Political History

Reacting to the early trends, Sirsa argued that the people of Bengal have a long tradition of granting extended tenures to governments and do not make impulsive electoral choices. "We have been repeatedly saying that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has committed atrocities against the people of Bengal — the people there are very courageous and thoughtful. They never take decisions in haste; they decide after much thought. And this decision too has been made thoughtfully," he told IANS.

Drawing a parallel with the state's political past, Sirsa noted, "When they removed the Congress, they gave it a very long time. Then they gave the Communists a long time as well. Now they gave Mamata a long time too. They never take decisions in a hurry." He added that after a prolonged period, the electorate had now concluded that only the BJP could bring meaningful change to the state.

Sirsa's Swipe at Congress Over Mamata Allegations

Responding to allegations by the Indian National Congress (Congress) that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had a role behind the BJP's gains, Sirsa took a pointed jab at the opposition. "Well, whether it's someone's hand or someone's leg — in the end, it's the hand that presses the button for voting, right?" he remarked.

In a lighter vein, Sirsa also quipped about the recurring EVM controversy: "Good thing the EVM didn't come up today — its 'heartbeat' had been racing since morning, wondering if its name would get dragged in again. Thankfully, today they left the EVM alone and went after Mamata instead."

BJP Eyes Punjab Government in 2027

Sirsa further expressed confidence about the BJP's broader electoral prospects, stating, "Similarly, a BJP government will also be formed in Punjab in 2027. People of Punjab will give a chance to BJP." The remarks signal the party's intent to mount a serious challenge in Punjab, where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) currently holds power.

Bagga Credits Modi's Leadership and Party Workers

BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga attributed the party's lead in West Bengal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the on-ground dedication of party workers. "We win under the leadership of PM Modi. We win with PM Modi. We win with the trust of PM Modi," Bagga told IANS.

He added that the result reflected the hard work and sacrifices of grassroots workers: "This is the victory of the hundreds and thousands of BJP workers who worked hard there and made sacrifices. This is their victory."

With counting still underway, all eyes remain on whether the early trends will consolidate into a full majority for the BJP — an outcome that would mark a historic shift in Bengal's political landscape.