Gangtok, April 26: Raju Bista, the Lok Sabha MP from Darjeeling and a prominent BJP leader, expressed confidence on Saturday that the party could secure between 170 to 180 seats in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. He attributed this optimism to a significant shift in voter sentiment.
Bista made these remarks while reviewing preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sikkim on April 27 and 28 at the Burutuk Helipad in Gangtok. He was accompanied by party leader Dilip Jaiswal, who is coordinating the arrangements for the Prime Minister’s two-day program, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood.
Addressing the media, Bista claimed that the BJP is receiving overwhelming support in West Bengal. Referring to the first phase of voting, he noted that the voter turnout exceeded 92%. He predicted that the BJP could win approximately 110 out of the 152 seats that were contested. Bista credited this potential electoral advantage to various factors, including alleged corruption, lack of job opportunities leading to youth migration, and long-standing grievances against previous governments.
He also highlighted demographic concerns in the border state as an influencing factor in voter behavior.
On regional matters, Bista reiterated hopes for a lasting political solution for the Darjeeling hills and the Dooars region by 2026, emphasizing that any such resolution would adhere to the framework of the Indian Constitution.
Regarding Sikkim, the BJP leader described the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit as historic, aligning with the celebration of the state’s significant achievements. He stated that this visit would showcase Sikkim’s accomplishments and draw national attention to its development.
Bista remarked that the Prime Minister’s presence is a source of pride for the people of Sikkim. He added that preparations for the visit, including public events and official functions, are progressing rapidly, with several BJP leaders already present in the state.
He also mentioned that national spokesperson Sambit Patra is in Sikkim as part of the coordination efforts. Prime Minister Modi will participate in various official programs during his visit on April 27 and 28.
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