Sarma predicts 100 seats in Assam, 200 in Bengal; pitches border sealing, UCC
Guwahati, Apr 16: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday predicted a strong showing for the NDA in the upcoming Assembly elections, projecting 100 seats in Assam and 200 seats in West Bengal, as the BJP intensifies its campaign in the eastern state.
Sarma, now one of the BJP’s main campaign faces in Bengal, has been actively leading rallies after being assigned a key electoral role—underscoring how crucial the state has become for the party’s national ambitions.
Addressing a rally in Alipurduar, Sarma called for stricter border controls, saying measures implemented in Assam and Tripura should be extended to Bengal. “We have taken steps to seal the borders of Assam and Tripura. The need of the hour is to seal the border in West Bengal,” he said.
He further alleged that demographic changes were underway due to illegal immigration, claiming that the Hindu population was declining while that of “Bangladeshi Muslims” was increasing—an assertion that remains politically contested and strongly rejected by the ruling All India Trinamool Congress.
दीदी को डर है कि अगर @BJP4Bengal ने सरकार बना लिया तो बांग्लादेशी घुसपैठी और उनकी बांग्लादेशी वोट बैंक दोनों खतरे में आ जाएगी। pic.twitter.com/0kE6YXcjan
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 16, 2026
At another rally in Cooch Behar South, Sarma launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, dismissing claims that the BJP would ban non-vegetarian food.
“Mamata Banerjee is saying that if the BJP comes to power in Bengal, non-vegetarian food will be banned. I want to ask—has anyone said that? Why is she scared?” Sarma said.
He added that the BJP would act against cow slaughter and push for a Uniform Civil Code in Assam, and could introduce similar measures in Bengal if voted to power.
असम में 10 साल से BJP की सरकार है, लेकिन वहां लोग Non-Veg आहार खाते हैं। तो TMC बंगाल में यह भ्रम क्यों फैला रही है कि BJP बंगाल में Non-Veg बंद कर देगी? pic.twitter.com/zNG1Z10Nu8
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 16, 2026
The BJP’s aggressive push in Bengal reflects more than routine electoral campaigning. The state has emerged as a critical political frontier for the party, which has failed to capture power there in the last two Assembly elections despite significant gains in vote share.
A victory in West Bengal would not only expand the BJP’s footprint in eastern India but also mark a major breakthrough against a strong regional force like the All India Trinamool Congress, which has governed the state for three consecutive terms.
Political observers say the contest is also deeply ideological, with the BJP foregrounding issues such as border security, illegal immigration, and uniform civil laws, while the TMC continues to rely on its welfare-driven governance model and grassroots organisational strength.
“The BJP has been trying to win Bengal for two consecutive elections but has failed. This time, the stakes are much higher, and the party is deploying its full strength,” a political observer said.
He added that while there is visible anti-incumbency against the TMC over governance issues, the ruling party has so far retained power through strong welfare outreach and voter connect. “This time, it may not be easy, as there is growing dissatisfaction among sections of voters,” he said.
Observers also point out that the BJP has deployed leaders like Himanta Biswa Sarma beyond their home states to sharpen its campaign. Known for his aggressive and direct style, Sarma has gained visibility in Bengal, where supporters have begun referring to him as “Mama” during rallies.
“His campaign strategy could influence the political narrative. The BJP is banking on such leaders to consolidate support and maximise seat gains,” a veteran political analyst said.
Several senior BJP leaders from Assam, including cabinet ministers and MPs, have also been stationed across constituencies in Bengal to strengthen the party’s campaign machinery.
Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
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