The results of the 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry have altered the political configuration in India. In West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to form a government for the first time with a full majority, ending the long-standing dominance of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
According to party leaders, the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in West Bengal will take place on May 9. The BJP has chosen this date to coincide with the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya confirmed the development, stating that the event marks not only a change in government but also a shift in the state's political culture.
The BJP has secured a clear majority in West Bengal with 206 seats. The party, which previously had limited representation in the state, will now assume power. Senior party leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been appointed as the central observer for the election of the legislative party leader, while Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has been named co-observer.
Following the election results, internal activity has increased within the TMC. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lost her traditional Bhabanipur seat to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. Banerjee alleged that “vote loot” occurred in several constituencies and claimed her agents were prevented from entering booths. Several senior TMC leaders, however, accepted the public mandate.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra stated on social media that the will of the people is paramount and should be respected if the electorate has chosen the BJP. She added that her party would continue to uphold democracy, the Constitution, and secular values. Party campaigner Sayani Ghosh also said that the party accepts the verdict and will perform its role in the opposition.
In Assam, the BJP has returned to power for a third consecutive term under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, securing a majority and recording the highest strike rate in the state. The party won most constituencies, leaving the Congress behind. BJP president J.P. Nadda has been appointed observer for the selection of the legislative party leader in Assam.
In Tamil Nadu, actor Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), emerged as the largest party by winning 108 seats. This marks the first instance since 1967 that a government in the state is set to be formed by a party other than the DMK or AIADMK. Vijay has been elected leader of the legislative party, and his elevation as Chief Minister is considered likely. His father, S.A. Chandrasekhar, stated that he had confidence that his son would become Chief Minister.
In Kerala, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has returned to power. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan retained his seat, but his party, CPI(M), suffered significant losses. Congress leader A.K. Antony stated that the CPI(M)’s policies and its distance from the public contributed to its defeat.
In Puducherry, the NDA alliance, comprising AINRC, BJP, and allied parties, has secured a majority and is preparing to form the government. N. Rangasamy is expected to become Chief Minister for a fifth time.
The victory of Congress candidate Motab Sheikh from the Farakka seat has drawn attention. His name had been removed from the voter list before the election, after which he approached the Supreme Court. Following the court’s intervention, his name was reinstated, and he defeated the BJP candidate by more than 8,000 votes. The case has prompted discussion regarding voter lists and the electoral process.
After these results, the political presence of the BJP and the NDA has expanded further, with governments led by the party or its allies in a majority of states and among a large share of the population. Experts stated that the outcomes in states such as West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have altered the balance of power in national politics, while opposition parties now face the challenge of maintaining their political relevance.
Samik Bhattacharya stated that the BJP’s objective is not limited to a change in government but includes efforts toward changes in the state’s political and social culture.
