BJP wins West Bengal

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that “the lotus has bloomed in West Bengal” as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took a commanding lead in the 2026 state assembly elections, signalling a potential shift in a state governed for three consecutive terms by All India Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Vote counting began earlier in the day under the supervision of the Election Commission of India, with early trends placing the BJP ahead.

As counting progressed, the party steadily widened its lead over the TMC.

By 6pm, official data showed the BJP leading or winning in 206 seats, while the TMC trailed significantly with leads in 81 constituencies.

In a message posted on X, Modi said the elec

tion would be “remembered forever”, describing the outcome as a triumph of “people’s power” and the party’s governance approach.

He expressed gratitude to voters across the state and said the BJP would work to fulfil their expectations.

“The people have given a decisive mandate,” he said, adding that his party would strive to deliver a government focused on opportunity and dignity for all sections of society.