Suvendu claims Hindu consolidation, 'cracks' in Muslim votes as BJP leads Bengal
Early counting trends in West Bengal show the BJP leading, with Suvendu Adhikari claiming signs of Hindu consolidation and a "crack" in Muslim voting patterns, including in Nandigram and Bhabanipur.
Early counting trends in West Bengal show the BJP taking the lead in West Bengal, which party's leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed signs of Hindu consolidation and a shift in Muslim voting patterns.
Giving an update after four rounds of counting, Suvendu Adhikari said the early trends show the state moving away from the BJP. He cited patterns across regions such as Malda, Murshidabad and Uttar Dinajpur, claiming Hindu voters are backing the BJP while Muslim voters are leaning towards TMC and, in some areas, the Congress. “Around 15–16 rounds are still left. I will keep giving you information,” he added.
Speaking on the early trends, Adhikari said, “This time there's a Hindu consolidation, and the way Muslims vote for TMC, they have not done that this time. Some votes have gone to the pro-Muslim party. BJP has also got some in small amounts. I was not expecting such a good performance in the Muslim booth in Nandigram.”
He added that the “guarantee” given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build Bengal under his leadership has worked in BJP’s favour. “There is no need to be so hasty. I will tell you after 11:00 am,” he said.
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Detailing booth-level trends from Bhabanipur, Adhikari claimed that in the first round, out of 14 booths, six are Muslim-dominated booths where the TMC earlier secured 90–95% votes. “This time they have not got that level of support. There is a crack,” he said, adding that the BJP has also gained a small share.
He further said that in the eight Hindu-dominated booths, he is leading. “This is a very good signal. Hindus are consolidated in favour of the lotus,” he said.
Adhikari projected that the BJP is heading towards “135 plus” seats based on initial trends. He described the broader trend as a mix of anti-incumbency and Hindu polarisation working in BJP’s favour.
On Bhabanipur, the constituency represented by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Adhikari said the contest will be tight initially but he expects to recover ground in later rounds. He claimed that while Banerjee may take a lead in the early rounds due to specific wards, BJP will “make up” the deficit after 9–10 rounds, making it difficult for her to sustain the lead.
Adhikari maintained that the current trends are based on initial rounds, including postal ballots, and a clearer picture will emerge as counting progresses.
Early counting trends in West Bengal show the BJP taking the lead in West Bengal, which party's leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed signs of Hindu consolidation and a shift in Muslim voting patterns.
Giving an update after four rounds of counting, Suvendu Adhikari said the early trends show the state moving away from the BJP. He cited patterns across regions such as Malda, Murshidabad and Uttar Dinajpur, claiming Hindu voters are backing the BJP while Muslim voters are leaning towards TMC and, in some areas, the Congress. “Around 15–16 rounds are still left. I will keep giving you information,” he added.
Speaking on the early trends, Adhikari said, “This time there's a Hindu consolidation, and the way Muslims vote for TMC, they have not done that this time. Some votes have gone to the pro-Muslim party. BJP has also got some in small amounts. I was not expecting such a good performance in the Muslim booth in Nandigram.”
He added that the “guarantee” given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build Bengal under his leadership has worked in BJP’s favour. “There is no need to be so hasty. I will tell you after 11:00 am,” he said.
Tap for Bengal election live updates
Detailing booth-level trends from Bhabanipur, Adhikari claimed that in the first round, out of 14 booths, six are Muslim-dominated booths where the TMC earlier secured 90–95% votes. “This time they have not got that level of support. There is a crack,” he said, adding that the BJP has also gained a small share.
He further said that in the eight Hindu-dominated booths, he is leading. “This is a very good signal. Hindus are consolidated in favour of the lotus,” he said.
Adhikari projected that the BJP is heading towards “135 plus” seats based on initial trends. He described the broader trend as a mix of anti-incumbency and Hindu polarisation working in BJP’s favour.
On Bhabanipur, the constituency represented by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Adhikari said the contest will be tight initially but he expects to recover ground in later rounds. He claimed that while Banerjee may take a lead in the early rounds due to specific wards, BJP will “make up” the deficit after 9–10 rounds, making it difficult for her to sustain the lead.
Adhikari maintained that the current trends are based on initial rounds, including postal ballots, and a clearer picture will emerge as counting progresses.
