Narendra Modi’s BJP wins election in West Bengal for the first time
Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won the West Bengal state assembly elections for the first time, marking a significant shift in India's political landscape. The victory ends 15 years of rule by the Trinamool Congress and further consolidates the BJP's dominance across the country. The election was marred by controversy over the removal of over 2.7 million voters from the electoral roll, with critics alleging targeting of minority communities.
- ▪The BJP won over 205 out of 294 seats in the West Bengal assembly, a historic majority.
- ▪West Bengal had been governed by the Trinamool Congress under Mamata Banerjee for 15 years prior to this election.
- ▪More than 2.7 million voters were removed from the electoral roll in a controversial revision process criticized for disproportionately affecting Muslims and other minorities.
- ▪The BJP also retained power in Assam, expanding its control to 20 out of 28 Indian states.
- ▪Political analyst Rahul Verma stated that the consolidation of the Hindu vote and anti-incumbency sentiment contributed significantly to the BJP's victory.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
In a statement, Modi says the elections ‘will be remembered forever. I bow to each and every person of West Bengal.’ Photograph: Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenIn a statement, Modi says the elections ‘will be remembered forever. I bow to each and every person of West Bengal.’ Photograph: Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty ImagesIndiaNarendra Modi’s BJP win election in West Bengal for first timeA key Indian state, the result is set to have significant implications for the country’s political landscapeHannah Ellis-Petersen in DelhiMon 4 May 2026 13.13 EDTLast modified on Mon 4 May 2026 13.17 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleIndian prime minister Narendra Modi’s party has won a resounding election victory in West Bengal, a state which had been a rare opposition stronghold,…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at World news | The Guardian.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from World news | The Guardian
