Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi to celebrate the party’s performance in the assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory. (PTI Photo/Salman Ali)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi On Monday he described his “Vikit Bharat” (developed India) pledge as a “resurgence in the past” following the BJP’s landslide victory in the West Bengal assembly elections.With this victory, the BJP is set to form its first government in West Bengal, replacing the Trinamool Congress, which has been in power since 2011.Addressing BJP workers at the party’s national headquarters in Delhi, where the victory was celebrated, PM Modi said, “The pledge to achieve Developed India@2047 is linked to the resurgence in the East. In olden times, erstwhile Bihar, Bengal and Odisha were the three pillars of India’s greatness.”Referring to the three states by their respective old names, he said, “To achieve a developed India, we need to revive all three pillars of Anga, Banga and Kalinga. I am glad that these three states have reposed faith in the BJP to lead on the path of development.”He described Kalinga (Orissa) as a “maritime superpower”, Anga (Bihar) as the “powerhouse” of cotton and silk trade and Banga (West Bengal) as the cultural “epicentre”.The BJP formed its first government in Odisha in June 2024 and retained Bihar, where its NDA alliance won a landslide victory in November last year.The Prime Minister’s comments come days after he gave the call for “Ang, Bang, Kalinga” for the first time at an election rally in West Bengal.Addressing a rally in Barrackpore on April 27, PM Modi said, “This election of West Bengal is an election to change the fate of Bengal as well as the entire eastern India, the eastern part of India.” In the past, when India was prosperous, it had three strong pillars – “Anga”, “Banga” and “Kalinga”. When these three pillars became weak, India’s capabilities also suffered a setback. Today, when India is moving forward with the aim of becoming developed, it is very important for the development of Anga, Bang and Kalinga. The rise of India is incomplete without the rise of the East.”He further said, “First Bihar blossomed, Odisha blossomed and now it is Bengal’s turn. And from the atmosphere I am seeing here, lotus is sure to bloom in Bengal too.”Voting took place in West Bengal on 23 and 29 April, with an unprecedented turnout of over 90% in each phase. Counting of votes took place on Monday.