Kolkata, West Bengal
BJP leader and Member of Parliament Khagen Murmu has described the party’s performance in the tribal-reserved Assembly constituencies of West Bengal as a “very big victory,” claiming that tribal communities strongly supported the BJP in response to violence, political attacks, and alleged disrespect shown toward constitutional institutions during the previous government’s tenure.
Speaking in Kolkata, Murmu said the Bharatiya Janata Party achieved a complete victory in all 16 Assembly seats reserved for tribal communities in the state. He pointed out that in the 2021 elections, the BJP had won only six of these seats, and therefore the latest results represented a major political shift in tribal regions.
According to Murmu, the outcome reflects growing trust among tribal voters toward the BJP and dissatisfaction with the Trinamool Congress (TMC). He alleged that tribal communities in Bengal faced attacks and violence under the previous political environment and claimed that many people wanted political change.
Murmu also referred to a controversial statement allegedly made earlier by a minister regarding Droupadi Murmu. He stated that tribal voters considered the remark disrespectful toward the President and responded through the ballot box by voting strongly in favour of the BJP.
“The public gave a response to that,” Murmu said, suggesting that the election results reflected public anger over the issue. He argued that the tribal community viewed the election not only as a political contest but also as a matter of dignity and representation.
The BJP leader further claimed that the party’s growing support among tribal voters demonstrates a wider transformation in West Bengal politics. He said that communities which had previously supported other parties are now increasingly aligning with the BJP because of promises related to development, representation, and stronger governance.
In another statement, Murmu sharply criticised the TMC over allegations of post-poll violence following the 2021 elections. He claimed that after the previous Assembly polls, BJP workers and supporters faced widespread attacks, vandalism, and intimidation in several parts of the state.
According to Murmu, more than 300 BJP workers were allegedly killed in political violence after the 2021 elections. The BJP has repeatedly raised this allegation over the past few years, while the TMC has denied involvement and accused the BJP of politicising incidents of violence.
Murmu also reacted to recent allegations surrounding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) raised by sections of the opposition after the latest election results. He criticised the TMC leadership for questioning the electoral process only after facing defeat.
According to him, the party’s current doubts about EVMs stem from what he described as a “mindset of suspicion.” Murmu alleged that because the BJP defeated the TMC in several constituencies, the opposition now assumes manipulation must have occurred, similar to accusations they themselves have faced in the past.
He accused the TMC of remaining in power for 15 years while engaging in corruption and misuse of authority. Murmu claimed that such political habits shaped the party’s thinking and contributed to its refusal to fully accept the election verdict.
“Their mindset is flawed. They ought to vacate their seats. They must accept the verdict of the people and abide by it,” he said, stressing that democratic outcomes should be respected regardless of political disagreement.
The BJP’s strong performance in tribal-reserved constituencies is being seen by political observers as one of the key factors behind the party’s wider success in West Bengal. Analysts note that tribal voters played an increasingly influential role in several regions, particularly in northern and western districts of the state.
Meanwhile, political tensions continue in Bengal following the election results. Both the BJP and TMC have exchanged allegations regarding violence, intimidation, EVM-related concerns, and administrative conduct, creating a charged political atmosphere across the state.
Election officials, however, have repeatedly defended the credibility of the electoral process and maintained that polling and counting were conducted according to constitutional procedures. Authorities have also appealed to political parties and supporters to maintain peace and avoid spreading misinformation or unrest.
Murmu’s remarks underline the BJP’s effort to frame the election outcome as both a political and social mandate. By highlighting tribal representation, public anger against violence, and calls for accountability, the BJP leadership is attempting to strengthen its narrative that the people of West Bengal voted decisively for political change and a new governance model in the state.
