BJP Heads for Breakthrough in West Bengal as Trends Signal TMC Setback

May 4, 2026 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on course for a major victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, according to early trends from 293 of the state’s 294 constituencies where counting is underway.

As per the latest figures, BJP has secured four seats and is leading in 194, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 148 seats required to form the government in the 294-member House. The ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), which has been in power for the past 15 years, has won one seat so far and is leading in 88, indicating a significant setback. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) is ahead in one seat, while others are leading in four.

In key contests, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is leading in Bhabanipur against BJP rival Suvendu Adhikari, who is himself ahead in Nandigram. BJP’s Agnimitra Paul is leading in Asansol Dakshin, while party candidate Sarbari Mukherjee is ahead in Jadavpur, a constituency traditionally considered a Left stronghold. In Panihati, BJP candidate Ratna Debnath is also in the lead. Meanwhile, Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir is leading in Nowda.

Suvendu Adhikari, who is also the Leader of Opposition, expressed confidence that the BJP will form the next government in the state.

The election saw an exceptionally high voter turnout of 92.47 percent across two phases held on April 23 and April 29, marking the highest participation since Independence. Repolling was conducted in select booths in Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour on May 2, while polling in Falta constituency was countermanded due to reported electoral irregularities. Fresh polling there is scheduled for May 21, with counting on May 24.

The contest was closely watched, with the TMC aiming for a fourth consecutive term and the BJP pushing for a historic entry into power in the state. The Left Front and Congress also attempted to regain lost ground after their poor performance in 2021.

Security arrangements were extensive, with over 2.5 lakh Central Armed Police Forces personnel deployed alongside state police. In Kolkata, counting for 11 constituencies is being conducted at five different centres.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, the TMC had secured 215 seats, while the BJP won 77, highlighting the scale of the shift indicated by the current trends.