Kolkata, April 30: Samik Bhattacharya, the West Bengal BJP president, refrained from commenting on the exit polls following the recent state elections. He urged party workers to be ready to celebrate with sweets on May 4.
In a conversation in Kolkata, Bhattacharya stated that this year’s assembly elections were conducted peacefully. He noted that aside from minor incidents, the people of West Bengal experienced an unprecedented level of tranquility during the elections in independent India. He emphasized that this election was not just about changing the government, leaders, or the Chief Minister, but about restoring the dignity, identity, culture, trade, and education of West Bengal, which he claims has been undermined by the Trinamool Congress.
He expressed that the desire for change had been brewing among the public for the past three months. Bhattacharya questioned the lack of will in the current government, suggesting that a peaceful electoral culture similar to that of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh could be established in West Bengal. He highlighted that the voter turnout across the state exceeded 90%, with Kolkata recording 83-84%.
Regarding the exit polls, Bhattacharya stated, “We do not wish to comment on the exit polls. We have seen the outcomes of the exit polls from Haryana and Delhi.” He invited everyone to join him on May 4 at 5 PM for sweets and tea. He also mentioned that incidents of voter suppression and tampering have been reported to the Election Commission.
Additionally, Bhattacharya commented on TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee’s petition regarding the large-scale transfer of government employees, acknowledging Banerjee’s good track record in government affairs but questioning his effectiveness.
It is noteworthy that voting for the 294 assembly seats in Bengal has concluded in two phases, with results set to be announced on May 4. Several exit polls have predicted a BJP government in Bengal.