BJP Sweeps West Bengal, Unseats Mamata Banerjee After 12 Years; Vijay's TVK Triumphs in Tamil Nadu

Key facts

• BJP wins West Bengal for the first time, ending Mamata Banerjee's 12-year rule.
• Suvendu Adhikari defeats Mamata Banerjee in Bhabinipur, marking a historic victory.
• Thalapathy Vijay's TVK wins a landslide in Tamil Nadu; his driver's son Sabarinathan becomes MLA.
• NDA forms government in Puducherry.
• At least 12 people killed in Bihar due to storms and rain.
• BJP wins 7 out of 11 major elections since 2024, including Delhi after 27 years.
• PM Modi dedicates Bengal victory to the people, says 'now fear not, talk of future'.

Bengal Falls to the Lotus

The Bharatiya Janata Party has won the West Bengal assembly election, capturing the state for the first time and unseating Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after 12 years in power. The victory, described as 'prodigious' by party leaders, marks a dramatic expansion of the BJP's footprint in eastern India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who led the campaign without projecting a chief ministerial candidate, dedicated the win to the people of Bengal. 'This victory belongs to the people of Bengal,' he said, adding that the state should now speak of the future, not fear.

Bhabinipur: Adhikari Defeats Banerjee

In a direct contest that became the symbol of the election, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee in the Bhabinipur constituency. Adhikari, a former Banerjee loyalist who crossed over to the BJP, called the victory historic. 'Mamata's political retirement has now happened,' he declared after his win. The defeat in her own seat compounds the blow for Banerjee, who had held power since 2011. The BJP did not field a chief ministerial candidate, instead riding on Modi's popularity and a wave of anti-incumbency.

Tamil Nadu: Vijay's TVK Sweeps, Driver's Son Wins

In Tamil Nadu, actor Thalapathy Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won a landslide victory, upending the state's political order. Among the new MLAs is Sabarinathan, the son of Vijay's driver, who won his seat. The result is a personal triumph for Vijay, who entered politics only recently. The DMK, which had governed the state, suffered a severe defeat. 'Sisters and daughters have punished Congress, TMC and DMK,' PM Modi said, attributing the verdict to a desire for change.

Puducherry and Assam: NDA Holds, Congress Fails

In Puducherry, the National Democratic Alliance retained power, ensuring continuity in the union territory. In Assam, the BJP secured a hat-trick of victories, further consolidating its hold in the Northeast. Congress, which had hoped for a revival, was routed in both states. Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of 'stealing elections and institutions,' but the party failed to make significant gains anywhere. PM Modi countered that Congress was becoming a 'hub of urban Naxals.'

Bihar Storms Kill 12, Other Developments

At least 12 people died in Bihar as severe storms and rain lashed several districts, including Patna. The natural disaster struck as the state was still absorbing the political news from neighboring Bengal. Elsewhere, in Chhattisgarh, the Economic Offences Wing and Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested seven people in connection with an excise scam involving over ₹100 crore. The investigation continues.

Global Reaction and BJP's Next Steps

The BJP's victory in Bengal has drawn international attention, with media in Turkey, Britain and elsewhere covering the outcome. The result is seen as a vindication of Modi's leadership and a setback for opposition unity. Now the BJP must decide who will be chief minister. Five names are reportedly under consideration, but the party has not yet announced a decision. The new government will face high expectations to deliver on promises of development and governance.

A New Political Map

The 2026 election results have redrawn India's political map. The BJP has now won 7 of the 11 major elections since 2024, including Delhi after 27 years and Bengal for the first time. The opposition, fractured and demoralized, faces an uphill battle to regain relevance. For Bengal, the end of the Mamata era opens a new chapter. Whether the BJP can translate electoral victory into effective governance will be the defining question in the months ahead.

The bottom line

• BJP wins West Bengal for the first time, ending Mamata Banerjee's 12-year rule; Suvendu Adhikari defeats her in Bhabinipur.
• Thalapathy Vijay's TVK wins landslide in Tamil Nadu; his driver's son becomes MLA.
• NDA retains Puducherry; BJP secures hat-trick in Assam.
• Congress fails to make gains; Rahul Gandhi alleges election theft.
• At least 12 killed in Bihar storms; Chhattisgarh excise scam arrests seven.
• BJP yet to name Bengal CM; five candidates under consideration.