Kolkata, April 27
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday declared that central security forces will remain stationed in West Bengal for at least a week beyond the assembly elections. Addressing a massive road show in Behala—where polling is scheduled for April 29 in the second and final phase—Shah urged voters not to fear intimidation, assuring them that the Election Commission has put in place robust security measures. He added that even after the BJP forms the government, central forces will continue their presence for seven days.
The Behala rally, held on the last day of campaigning, saw the neighbourhood awash in saffron as Shah rode atop an open vehicle, waving to supporters and showering petals on cheering crowds. Thousands of BJP workers and sympathizers lined the route, chanting “Jai Shri Ram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” with party flags and balloons filling the air.
Later, Shah led another vibrant road show in Chandannagar, Hooghly, drawing equally large crowds. He asserted that a strong pro-BJP wave was sweeping the state and promised that once in power, the party would drive out infiltrators. He accused the Trinamool Congress government of widespread corruption in welfare schemes and vowed that those responsible would face consequences.
Shah concluded by stressing that a BJP victory was essential to transform West Bengal into a “sonar Bangla”—a golden Bengal of prosperity and integrity.
