Confetti is sprayed as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, center, waves to supporters upon his arrival at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters to celebrate victory in the recently held state assembly elections in New Delhi, India, Monday, May 4, 2026.
Manish Swarup/AP
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Manish Swarup/AP
NEW DELHI — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken control of West Bengal, a significant opposition stronghold, following a crucial election on Monday.
According to preliminary results from the Election Commission of India, the BJP secured at least 124 seats in West Bengal’s 294-member assembly and was leading in 83 additional seats. The final results are anticipated by Monday evening.
This victory marks a notable achievement for Modi’s party, which has long sought to unseat the All India Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. West Bengal has been a stronghold for Banerjee, a vocal critic of Modi, who has been in power since 2011.
Opposition parties have expressed significant concerns over the elections in West Bengal, particularly after the Election Commission removed millions of voters from the electoral rolls.
Additionally, elections were held in three other states.
India, a South Asian nation with over 1.4 billion residents, comprises 28 states and eight federal territories. State elections are staggered across India, with some states holding elections almost every year.
Diplu Ranjan Sarmah, center, New Guwahati candidate of Bharatiya Janata Party shows victory sign after winning in recent held state election in Guwahati, India, Monday, May 4, 2026.
Anupam Nath/AP
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Anupam Nath/AP
India’s opposition faces a setback
The BJP’s victory in West Bengal is expected to bolster Modi’s influence and solidify his position as he progresses through his third term. In the 2024 national election, the BJP had to rely on regional partners to form a government. Modi is anticipated to seek a record fourth term in 2029.
Speaking to supporters at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Modi stated that the election results indicate the party’s expanding appeal in a region where it has historically struggled to gain traction.
“A new chapter has been added to Bengal’s destiny,” Modi proclaimed to an enthusiastic audience.
India’s opposition has found it challenging to present a united and consistent challenge to the BJP’s nationwide dominance.
Banerjee had positioned herself as a prominent national rival to Modi, seeking to unite regional parties against the BJP. Her defeat could weaken her influence in an opposition alliance already fragmented by regional power conflicts.
Film star-turned-politician scores breakthrough win
In Tamil Nadu, a southern state, celebrated movie star Joseph Vijay, who founded the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party only two years ago, has unseated the ruling DMK party. Tamil Nadu is noted for its history of electing film stars to high office.
In Kerala, another southern state, the Indian National Congress-led opposition has ended the communist government’s rule, bringing leftist governance in one of its last bastions to a close.
Additionally, Modi’s party has retained power in Assam, a northeastern state, securing a third consecutive term.
