'Bengal Polls to Impact All of India': Himanta Predicts BJP Sweep, Warns of Infiltration Threat

Kolkata : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday declared that the ongoing assembly elections in West Bengal are not just local polls but a battle for the survival of the entire eastern region. Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, Sarma predicted a "tsunami" in favor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), suggesting the party could cross the 200-seat mark in the 294-member assembly.

The Chief Minister’s remarks centered on the sensitive issue of illegal immigration, a topic he warned would permanently alter the demographics of India if left unchecked.

"A BJP Tsunami in Bengal"
Expressing high confidence following the first phase of polling on April 23, Sarma stated that the political atmosphere in the state has shifted dramatically.

"I won't be surprised if the BJP wins over 200 seats. Based on the support received in the first phase, it is clear that a BJP tsunami is sweeping through the state," Sarma told reporters.

The Infiltration Warning
Sarma launched a direct attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of prioritizing "vote bank politics" over national security. He alleged that the West Bengal government has intentionally stalled the Border Security Force (BSF) by not providing land necessary for fencing the India-Bangladesh border.

The Assam CM warned that the stakes are particularly high for neighboring states:

Regional Impact: Open borders in Bengal affect the security of Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and even Bihar and Jharkhand.

Demographic Shift: Sarma claimed Hindus may lose their majority status in Assam and West Bengal within two decades if the influx continues.

Current Status: He noted that Assam’s population currently stands at approximately 60% Hindu and 40% Muslim, warning that "Assam will fall first, followed by West Bengal."

As the state moves toward the second phase of polling, the political climate remains tense. Sarma urged voters to support the BJP to "save India" and prevent the eastern part of the country from merging culturally or demographically with Bangladesh.

The results on May 4 will be a defining moment for the BJP’s expansionist strategy in the East and a major test for Mamata Banerjee’s decade-long hold on West Bengal.