VIJAYAWADA, May 4: BJP leaders and cadre in Vijayawada broke into celebrations on Monday following the party's dominant performance in West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry, with Union Minister Bhupatiraju Srinivas Varma joining the festivities by distributing sweets among party workers.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Srinivas Varma described the results as historic, noting that while retaining power in Assam and Puducherry was itself significant, the gains made in West Bengal marked a watershed moment in the party's political journey. He pointed out that the BJP had not held a single MLA seat in West Bengal in 2011, went on to win 70 seats in 2021, and was now advancing towards the 200-seat mark — a trajectory he said was a testament to the growing trust of the people in the party.

The Union Minister alleged that the previous government's tenure in West Bengal was marked by violence and misappropriation of Central welfare schemes. He said that despite attacks during polling, the people of the State had stood firm and extended their support to the BJP, reflecting their resolve for change.

Mr. Srinivas Varma noted that it was particularly meaningful for the BJP to have grown in the home State of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, underlining the party's commitment to the development of Bengal. He recalled Mookerjee's contributions to the cause of uniform laws and national unity.

The Minister expressed confidence that West Bengal would be at the forefront of development in the coming years and that the BJP's expansion would continue in other States as well. He attributed the victories to the sustained efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, party leadership, and the dedicated work of the cadre on the ground.