New Delhi

BJP president Nitin Nabin on Thursday claimed that the saffron party will win the Assembly polls in West Bengal with an “absolute majority” and form its government to end the 15-year rule of Trinamool Congress under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

In an interview with News18 Network, Nabin also expressed confidence that the BJP-led coalition will return to power for another term in Assam and Puducherry.

“The situation in all five states where elections are being held is different. However, I believe that this time the conditions are better for the BJP in all the states.

“In Assam and Puducherry, we will certainly repeat our government. There is absolutely no doubt about it,” Nabin said when asked about the BJP's prospects in four boll-bound states – Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal – and the Union territory of Puducherry.

As for the remaining states, Nabin said West Bengal is going to come up with a “surprise mandate” in favour of the BJP, rejecting all the “games” of the Trinamool Congress and the Congress.

Asked if the BJP will form its government in Bengal for the first time, Nabin said, “Hundred per cent. Given the mood of the people in the state, the BJP will form the government with an absolute majority.”

On the number of seats the party expects to win in Bengal, Nabin said, “We are not putting out the final numbers right now. Voting is still underway, and more clarity will emerge as the process continues.

“But based on the current indications, I believe we are going to form our government there with an absolute majority.”

The first phase of polling for 152 seats in Bengal is presently underway, while the second and final phase for the remaining 142 seats will be held on April 29.

Tamil Nadu is also voting on Thursday, while elections in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry were conducted on April 9. All results will be out on May 4

Exuding confidence that the NDA will clinch victory in Tamil Nadu, Nabin said, “There is growing public sentiment against the corruption, anarchy, and anti-Sanatan mindset of the ruling DMK.

“As part of the NDA, our role is supportive in Tamil Nadu, where our alliance partner AIADMK is leading the contest. From what we are observing on the ground, there is a visible public response against the DMK.

“From my experience of campaigning in Tamil Nadu, I believe the DMK could face a significant electoral setback,” Nabin said.

Asked about the possible impact of actor-politician and TVK chief Vijay on the polls in Tamil Nadu, the BJP chief said, “It remains to be seen how much traction the Vijay factor actually generates. In politics, individuals often enter the arena and carve out a niche for themselves solely on the strength of their glamour.

“However, I have always maintained that one must also spend a considerable amount of time on the 'pitch'. We have frequently seen prominent figures making a grand entry into politics, but their impact at the grassroots level remains to be seen,” Nabin said.

"While I acknowledge that this certainly marks a beginning for Vijay, I don’t believe it to be a monumental one,” he added.

On the possibility of a post-poll alliance with Vijay, Nabin said there will be no need for that.

“We already have an active alliance in place in Tamil Nadu, and all our partners are contesting the elections together. As of today, I do not see any possibility of even considering a post-election context. I am confident that the NDA will form its government in Tamil Nadu on its own,” he said.

READ MORE: West Bengal Polls: In first phase, 152 seats outcome crucial for Mamata, BJP

About Kerala, Nabin said the BJP has been making strides in the southern state where it has established its presence with an increase in vote share, from 1.5 per cent to 20 per cent in the last elections.

“This shows that the BJP is poised to emerge as a formidable force in Kerala in the near future. So, while the LDF and the UDF may continue with their ‘match-fixing’ charade, we are determined to make our presence felt even more strongly and effectively,” he said.