Kolkata: Ahead of the Rejinagar bypoll in West Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said welfare schemes had helped change public perceptions of the government, including among Bengali-speaking Muslims. He predicted that a significant share of Muslim voters would support the state and central governments in the upcoming elections.

Suvendu Adhikari on Rejinagar Bypoll

Adhikari said claims that Bengali-speaking Muslims would be sent to Bangladesh if the BJP came to power had been proven false. He stated that the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi worked for all communities while promoting nationalism and the spirit of “Vande Mataram.”

According to Adhikari, this approach had gained wider acceptance and people’s experiences with government schemes had influenced their perceptions.

Annapurna Yojana and Pension Benefits

The Chief Minister cited figures relating to welfare schemes to support his argument.

He said that in Rejinagar, around 70,000 women had benefited from the Annapurna Yojana, including 35,000 women from the Muslim minority community.

Adhikari also referred to pension beneficiaries, claiming that 84 lakh recipients of old-age and widow pensions had received an additional ₹500, including 22 lakh Muslims.

He further stated that out of 1.58 crore beneficiaries of the Annapurna scheme, 24 lakh were Muslim women.

Adhikari Criticises Opposition Parties

Adhikari accused Mamata Banerjee, the CPI(M) and other opposition parties of creating misconceptions about the government and its policies.

He argued that beneficiaries’ experiences had changed their views and brought them closer to the government.

Prediction Ahead of the Upcoming Elections

Adhikari predicted that Bengali-speaking Muslim voters would largely favour the state and central governments in the upcoming elections. His remarks linked welfare benefits and public perceptions to the electoral contest ahead.

His comments represent his political assessment; actual voter preferences and election outcomes remain to be determined.