West Bengal, April 24: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on April 23 said those responsible for alleged attacks on Bharatiya Janata Party candidates in West Bengal would face consequences if the party forms the government in the state.
Striking a combative tone after the conclusion of first-phase polling, Sarma said, “We will teach a lesson to those who attacked the candidates of the BJP.” He expressed confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, claiming it would secure “at least 100 seats in Assam and 200 in West Bengal,” positioning the elections as a key moment for the BJP’s expansion in eastern India.
His remarks came as polling concluded at 6 pm in the first phase, which witnessed strong voter participation. According to the Election Commission of India, the state recorded a turnout of 91.91 per cent, reflecting high electoral engagement amid intense political competition.
Several districts reported turnout figures exceeding 90 per cent. Dakshin Dinajpur recorded the highest at 94.85 per cent, followed by Cooch Behar (94.54 per cent), Birbhum (93.70 per cent), Jalpaiguri (93.23 per cent) and Murshidabad (92.93 per cent).
Sarma also praised Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar for his role in the Special Intensive Revision process, stating that “the nation will not forget his contributions,” and suggested that a similar exercise should be undertaken in Assam.
Polling for the remaining 142 constituencies in West Bengal is scheduled for April 29, with counting of votes set for May 4.
