Kolkata/ Guwahati, May 4
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to form its first government in West Bengal after taking a commanding lead in the state assembly elections, signalling a major political shift. Early counting trends showed the BJP racing ahead in more than 200 seats in the 294-member assembly, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 148. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, trailed significantly, marking a potential end to its 15-year rule.
Officials said the scale of the BJP’s lead points to more than just a change in government, suggesting a broader transformation in the state’s political landscape. The party had already secured several seats and maintained leads across a large number of constituencies as counting continued. Meanwhile, in Assam, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) appeared set to return to power for a third consecutive term.
According to the Election Commission of India, the NDA had won 37 seats and was leading in 65 constituencies in the 126-member assembly in Assam. Within the alliance, the BJP was ahead in the majority of seats, while its partners, including the Bodoland People’s Front and the Asom Gana Parishad, also made gains.
The opposition Indian National Congress secured a small number of seats and leads, while other parties, including the All India United Democratic Front and regional outfits, remained limited in their performance.
Several ministers in the government led by Himanta Biswa Sarma were declared winners, reinforcing the NDA’s position in the state.
The Election Commission said results for several constituencies had been declared by late afternoon, with counting continuing across the remaining seats.
The twin results from Bengal and Assam underline a significant moment in Indian politics, with the BJP expanding its footprint in the east while consolidating its hold in the north-east.
