Narendra Modi’s BJP wins election in West Bengal for the first time

Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has achieved its first-ever election victory in West Bengal, a significant eastern Indian state previously ruled by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for 15 years. This win, marking a landmark majority with over 205 seats in the 294-seat assembly, expands the BJP's consolidation of power across India. The victory is seen as a major blow to the opposition, particularly against TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, a vocal critic of Modi. The BJP also secured re-election in Assam, giving them control in 20 out of 28 Indian states. This outcome follows a controversial revision of West Bengal's electoral roll, which disproportionately removed Muslim and minority voters.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won a historic victory in West Bengal, India, for the first time. The results, declared on May 4, 2026, show the BJP securing a significant majority in the state assembly, a major shift from its previous performance. This win is attributed to the BJP's strategy of religious polarization and capitalizing on anti-incumbency sentiment against the incumbent Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The BJP successfully leveraged accusations of minority appeasement against the TMC, resonating with some voters like Seema Das, who switched her vote from the TMC to the BJP. The BJP's victory in West Bengal marks a significant expansion of its political influence in eastern India.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has gained control of the state of West Bengal in a significant election victory. The BJP secured at least 124 seats in the 294-member assembly and was leading in 83 others, according to partial results released by the Election Commission of India. This marks a breakthrough for the BJP, which has long sought to unseat the All India Trinamool Congress government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Banerjee, a prominent critic of Modi, has governed West Bengal since 2011. The election results represent a major shift in power in the politically influential state, where the BJP has never previously governed.

The Liberal candidate, Anthony Marsh, has claimed victory in the Nepean byelection in Victoria, a result seen as a preview for the upcoming state election. With nearly 80% of votes counted, Marsh held a significant lead on a two-candidate basis. The byelection was triggered by the resignation of a Liberal deputy leader. While the Liberals retained the seat, they experienced a notable swing against them on the primary vote. One Nation's candidate, Darren Hercus, secured a strong second place, surpassing the independent candidate. The Labor party did not field a candidate in this byelection.