NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — India’s leading political party, helmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appeared set to secure a historic victory in West Bengal on Monday, marking a major political shift in the eastern state and strengthening the party’s national position ahead of key future elections.
Early results showed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning 50 seats and leading in 154 more in the 294-member state assembly. The incumbent All India Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, secured 21 seats and led in 62.
The results were not final, but trends indicated a strong path toward a two-thirds majority for the BJP. If confirmed, the win would end Banerjee’s 15-year rule and mark the BJP’s first-ever government in West Bengal. Modi called the outcome a “spectacular mandate” and pledged that his party would work to meet the expectations of the people. This breakthrough expands the BJP’s reach beyond its traditional strongholds in northern and western India.
The BJP ran an aggressive campaign focused on development, national security, and illegal immigration. Party leaders promised cash support programs and highlighted concerns about governance under Banerjee. At the same time, the election drew criticism from opposition groups. They alleged voter roll manipulation after authorities removed millions of names shortly before voting. Officials said they aimed to eliminate duplicate and illegal entries, but critics argued the move targeted marginalized communities.
More than 90% of eligible voters cast ballots, with many migrant workers returning home to participate. Political analysts pointed to strong polarization along religious and urban-rural lines.
The outcome also signals a recovery from the 2024 general election, when the BJP failed to secure a clear majority. A strong showing in West Bengal may help rebuild momentum and shape the party’s strategy moving forward. Experts say the victory supports the BJP’s broader narrative of becoming a truly pan-India political force.
In southern India, early trends pointed to a surprising shift in Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin faced a potential loss as actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay gained ground and moved closer to a majority. Tamil Nadu plays a key role in India’s manufacturing sector as it hosts major automobile plants and electronics facilities, including production sites linked to Apple Inc.
In Assam, early counting suggested the BJP-led alliance could secure a third consecutive term. This would allow Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to continue in office. Meanwhile, in Kerala, initial results showed an alliance led by the Indian National Congress ahead of the ruling coalition led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist). If trends hold, it would mark a significant political shift in the state.
Financial markets responded positively to the election trends. The NSE Nifty 50 rose modestly, supported by investor optimism and a broader regional rally. Firms within the Adani Group saw notable increases, reflecting expectations of continued policy support.