Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on track to secure control of West Bengal, dealing a major setback to the opposition in a key state election.
According to partial results released by the Election Commission of India, the BJP is leading in more than 190 seats in the 294-member state assembly. Final results are expected later Monday
A victory would mark a historic gain for the BJP, which has long attempted to unseat the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The party has never governed West Bengal, a politically significant state where Banerjee has been in power since 2011 and has remained a vocal critic of Modi.
The election has also drawn criticism from opposition groups, who allege irregularities after millions of voters were reportedly removed from electoral rolls.
Voting has taken place in three other states as part of India’s staggered election cycle across its 28 states and eight union territories.
A win in West Bengal would strengthen Modi’s political standing midway through his third term, especially after the 2024 national elections forced the BJP to depend on regional allies to form the government. Modi is widely expected to seek a fourth consecutive term in 2029.
Meanwhile, India’s opposition continues to struggle with unity and consistency in challenging the BJP’s dominance at the national level. Banerjee, once seen as a leading figure capable of uniting regional parties, could see her influence diminished if defeated, particularly within an already fragmented opposition alliance.
In other developments, in Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay appears poised for a major breakthrough, with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party emerging as a strong contender against the ruling DMK.
In Kerala, the Congress-led opposition is likely to unseat the ruling communist government, potentially ending one of the last strongholds of leftist rule in the country.
The BJP is also expected to retain power in Assam, securing a third consecutive term in the northeastern state.