High voter turnout in West Bengal elections signals rising women and youth opposition to Trinamool Congress, says PM Narendra Modi, predicting political change, stronger voter participation, and a decisive mandate amid intense campaigning and key issues like safety and governance.
High voter turnout across 162 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal’s first phase of polling has intensified political messaging, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that women and young voters have emerged as key forces challenging the ruling Trinamool Congress. Addressing a rally in Mathurapur on Thursday, Modi framed the participation surge as a sign of growing public desire for change ahead of the results.
Polling for the first phase, conducted across 162 constituencies, witnessed a significant turnout despite high temperatures, with voters braving the heat to cast their ballots. According to Modi, this level of engagement reflects a broader shift in voter sentiment, particularly among women and first-time voters. He claimed that these groups are now actively shaping the political narrative in the state.
“The high percentage of polling, ignoring the scorching heat, proves that May 4 will not only be the day of results but also the day of change in West Bengal,” Modi said during his address. He added that the enthusiasm among women and youth signals their growing dissatisfaction with the current administration.
The Prime Minister also linked women’s participation to recent developments in Parliament, alleging that the Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties had taken an anti-women stance by opposing the Women’s Reservation (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha. He argued that this had influenced voter perceptions in West Bengal, motivating women to take a more assertive role in the electoral process.
Referring to cultural and religious symbolism, Modi said that West Bengal, often associated with reverence for goddesses like Ma Kali and Ma Durga, should ensure safety and empowerment for women. He alleged that the current regime has failed to provide adequate security, urging voters to use their ballots to demand accountability.
Beyond gender issues, Modi also highlighted broader concerns such as corruption, law and order, and alleged political violence. He described the ongoing elections as a turning point, suggesting that the outcome could mark the end of what he termed a prolonged period of misgovernance under the Trinamool Congress.
“May 4 will be the expiry date of the 15 years of Trinamool Congress’ regime in West Bengal,” he said, predicting a shift in power. He further claimed that issues such as extortion, crime, and political violence would be addressed under a new administration if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power.
The Prime Minister also raised the issue of illegal infiltration, particularly in border districts like South 24 Parganas. He alleged that such activities were affecting local livelihoods, including fishermen, and accused the ruling party of enabling infiltration for political gains. Modi reiterated that his party would adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal immigration if elected.
The rally in Mathurapur comes ahead of the second phase of polling scheduled for April 29, where several key constituencies will go to vote. Political observers note that high turnout in the first phase often reflects heightened voter engagement, though its impact on final results remains uncertain.
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As campaigning intensifies, both the BJP and the Trinamool Congress are focusing on mobilizing core voter bases while appealing to undecided voters. Women and youth, who form a substantial portion of the electorate, are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the election.
The results on May 4 will ultimately determine whether the current administration retains power or if the electorate opts for a change, as suggested by the narratives emerging from the campaign trail.
