Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan declared on Monday that political change in West Bengal is inevitable ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

He accused the current state administration of being dominated by fear, terror, and corruption for several years and said voters are prepared to deliver a decisive mandate.

“Change is certain in West Bengal this time. Fear, terror and corruption have been ruling Bengal for the past several years. The people of Bengal are going to cast a decisive vote on this. Last time too, the people of Nandigram defeated Mamata Banerjee from here. This time, on May 4, there will be a new BJP-led government in Bengal,” Pradhan told reporters in Nandigram.

The minister added that a BJP government would provide employment opportunities for youth, enhance safety for women, and ensure farmers receive support tailored to their needs.

Earlier, Union Minister of State for Defence and BJP leader Sanjay Seth criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over women’s safety, citing the Sandeshkhali sexual assault and land-grabbing cases. Speaking to ANI, Seth described Sandeshkhali as “a black dot on West Bengal”, alleging that Mamata Banerjee attempted to protect the accused, Shahjahan.

He said, “Bashirhat and Sandeshkhali are not known for jobs, education or health facilities. Sandeshkhali brought shame and was a black dot on Bengal. The atrocities against Bengal’s women; the whole state was ashamed. On one hand, the Prime Minister is calling for ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’; on the other hand, what happened in Sandeshkhali was disgusting. Mamata didi did all to save him (the accused).”

Seth also accused the ruling Trinamool Congress government of supporting illegal immigrants and endorsed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in West Bengal.

He questioned, “Should infiltrators run the government and decide policies? No. Bengal is not a shelter for Bangladeshi immigrants, but to save her throne, Mamata called them and got their voter IDs made. She is also concerned with her throne and nephew. The rule of law has collapsed in Bengal. Why were you hurt by the CAA and the SIR? It was a judicial process.”