The State of West Bengal went to assembly elections on Thursday and recorded a turnout of 92% in the first phase. The high turnout is attributed to the SIR exercise, as many names were deleted and added in the process. The TMC, led by Mamata Banerjee (“Didi”), is confident of securing a majority, while the BJP, led by Modi, is equally confident that people have voted for change. With Amit Shah and Modi’s campaign in Bengal, the election results on the 4th will reveal whom the people want in West Bengal. With TMC leaders facing charges of corruption in chit funds and misappropriation of funds, the high turnout has boosted the confidence of political leaders in securing larger margins than before, as previous turnout was lower. With all eyes on the results, the BJP is trying its best to secure votes and form the government, but the Didi factor has always played a role in the state. Modi’s promises of state development and women’s reservation will be crucial in converting votes.
