West Bengal Elections 2026: BJP Cruises To Victory Over TMC
In the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party secured a historic win with 206 seats amid record turnout.
The 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election 2026 saw voting held across two phases for 293 out of 294 seats, with re-polling in Falta scheduled for 21 May after multiple complaints. With 148 seats needed for a majority, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) surged ahead with 206 seats, while the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) managed 80—marking a historic shift in the state’s political landscape. The election also recorded a massive 92.93% voter turnout, the highest since Independence.
However, the polls were overshadowed by serious allegations. Reports of EVM tampering dominated headlines, with claims of buttons being taped, smeared with substances, or made sticky—raising concerns over voter secrecy and accessibility, especially for elderly voters. The Election Commission reportedly received 77 such complaints during Phase 2 alone.
Beyond machines, polling stations saw breaches of protocol, with unauthorized individuals entering booths and allegations of voters being influenced during voting. In several areas, voters also faced intimidation, with groups allegedly monitoring and pressuring them near polling centres.
Violence further escalated tensions—clashes between party workers, stone-pelting, damaged booths, and even the seizure of crude bombs highlighted the volatile atmosphere. Post-poll, accusations continued over alleged tampering of stored EVMs, triggering protests and demands for stricter scrutiny.
The political battle was equally intense. Abhishek Banerjee challenged Amit Shah, while leaders traded sharp accusations throughout the campaign. Despite the heated rhetoric and controversies, BJP now appears set to form its first government in West Bengal, ending the 15-year rule of Mamata Banerjee and her party.
