‘Hegemonic power’: How Modi’s BJP won India’s Bengal for the first time
Summary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the West Bengal state elections in India for the first time, defeating the long-ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee. The BJP secured a strong majority by winning or leading in 200 out of 294 seats, while the TMC won or led in 87 seats.Key Facts
- West Bengal had been governed by Mamata Banerjee’s TMC since 2011.
- The BJP traditionally had little presence in West Bengal before this election.
- The state’s legislature elections were held in April 2026, with votes counted on May 4.
- BJP increased its seat count from 77 in 2021 to about 200 in 2026.
- TMC emphasized protecting minority rights, especially Muslims, while BJP appealed to Hindu voters.
- Other Indian states also held elections on the same day, with mixed results for different parties.
- The BJP-led alliance also won in Assam and Puducherry, while Congress won in Kerala.
- Mamata Banerjee’s TMC faced anti-incumbency issues and criticism over interference in people’s daily lives.
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