'Free, Fair Polls Driving Change in Bengal; BJP Will Cross 200 Seats', Says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

New Delhi: In an exclusive interview with Republic, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma exuded confidence about the Bharatiya Janata Party’s prospects in the ongoing West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, asserting that the party is headed for a “comfortable win” with its seat tally likely to cross 200.

Speaking to Republic, Sarma said the peaceful conduct of the first phase of polling has become the “biggest pillar” of the BJP’s optimism. “In the first round, there were good votes, no re-polling, and the Election Commission ensured that voting was free and fair,” he said, adding that this has significantly boosted voter confidence going into the second phase.

Recalling the previous elections, Sarma told Republic that widespread violence and intimidation had created a “fear psychosis” among voters. “Last time, incidents like firing and stone-pelting were widely seen. People were scared, and in the second phase, voter turnout dropped because of that fear. Several polling booths were even looted,” he alleged.

However, he maintained that the situation has changed this time. In the exclusive conversation, Sarma said that the absence of violence and smooth polling in the first phase would have a direct impact on voter turnout in the next round. “The fair voting of the first phase will reflect in the second phase as well. People are now more confident to come out and vote,” he told Republic.

Pointing to what he described as an “atmosphere of change” in West Bengal, Sarma said this sentiment is visible across both phases of polling. “There is a clear mood for change in Bengal. That is why I believe our number will reach 200,” he asserted during the interview.

Addressing the issue of infiltration, which has been a key campaign theme for the BJP, Sarma told Republic that demographic changes are becoming increasingly evident in several districts. He cited regions such as Murshidabad, Dinajpur, and Malda as examples.

“People don’t realise these changes immediately-it takes time. But now, as it becomes visible in their own surroundings, awareness is growing,” he said in the exclusive interview, adding that the issue has been consistently raised by the BJP in the state since 2014.

Comparing it with other states, Sarma noted that while the issue of infiltration was raised in Jharkhand as well, it has gained deeper traction in Bengal over time. “Now I feel there is significant awareness among people here,” he told Republic.

Sarma’s remarks come as West Bengal prepares for the crucial second phase of polling, with political stakes high and campaigning intensifying across the state.

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