Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s overwhelming performance in the West Bengal Assembly elections, dubbing it the victory of good governance over the regressive rule of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) governance. PM Modi, in his speech, has dedicated the credit to those killed in the political violence in the last few decades. However, he urged the BJP workers on the ground to focus on developmental issues, rather than concentrating on “revenge”.
"For the first time, it is not fear but democracy that has won. Today, as Bengal enters a new era of change, I also want to make an appeal to every political party in Bengal. Over the past decades, countless lives have been ruined due to political violence in Bengal. It is my clear belief that from today, the prevailing electoral practices and habits in Bengal must change," PM Modi said.
"...Today, when the BJP has won, the focus should be on change, not revenge. The focus should be on the future, not fear. I appeal to the workers of all political parties: let's end this endless cycle of violence once and for all,” PM Modi said from BJP headquarters in New Delhi on Monday.
Political violence in West Bengal
West Bengal has a brutal history of political violence. In the 2021 elections, several BJP and TMC supporters clashed before and after the polls, resulting in casualties from both sides. This year, although the incidents of poll violences comparetively reported less as compared to the past two polls. However, the post-poll violence will be closely watched by agencies as the centre has already installed security forces.
West Bengal Elections 2026
The BJP is on course to form its first government in West Bengal as it raced ahead in more than 200 seats, way past the majority mark, to end the TMC's 15-year rule and paint the state saffron in a major political upheaval. The signs were evident in the early leads, and it soon hardened into a sweep nearing a two-thirds majority.
(With inputs from agencies)