Himanta Biswa Sarma has warned that those allegedly involved in attacks on Bharatiya Janata Party candidates in West Bengal would face action if the BJP comes to power in the state. “We will teach a lesson to those who attacked the candidates of the BJP,” Sarma said after the first phase of polling for the West Bengal Assembly elections ended on Wednesday evening. The BJP leader expressed confidence over the party’s electoral prospects in both Assam and West Bengal. He claimed that the BJP would win “at least 100 seats in Assam and 200 in West Bengal,” describing the elections as crucial for the party’s growth in eastern India.
His remarks came as the first phase of polling in West Bengal recorded a high voter turnout. According to the Election Commission of India, the state registered 91.91 per cent voter turnout, reflecting strong public participation in the elections. Among the districts, Dakshin Dinajpur recorded the highest turnout at 94.85 per cent, followed by Cooch Behar at 94.54 per cent, Birbhum at 93.70 per cent, Jalpaiguri at 93.23 per cent and Murshidabad at 92.93 per cent.
Sarma also praised Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar for the Special Intensive Revision process and said a similar exercise should also be carried out in Assam. Polling for the remaining constituencies in West Bengal will be held on April 29, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
