Kolkata, May 4, 2026: Counting of votes for the high-stakes West Bengal Assembly elections is underway, with early trends indicating a strong lead for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). The outcome will determine whether Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee secures a fourth consecutive term or the BJP forms its first-ever government in the State.
As of mid-afternoon trends, the BJP maintained a commanding lead in over 190 of the 293 seats, while the TMC trailed with leads in fewer than 100 constituencies. The majority mark stands at 148. Early celebrations erupted among BJP workers across Kolkata, signalling what could be a significant political shift in a State long dominated by the TMC.
However, TMC leaders urged caution, calling the trends “fishy” and alleging irregularities in the counting process. Party leaders also raised concerns about delays in the uploading of official data by the Election Commission of India. TMC candidate Madhuparna Thakur went further, alleging tampering of electronic voting machines, a claim yet to be substantiated by authorities.
The contest in key constituencies remained closely watched. In Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee’s lead over BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari narrowed significantly as counting progressed. Banerjee later reached the counting centre following reports that a party agent had been forced out, intensifying tensions at the venue.
Meanwhile, the BJP recorded early victories in seats such as Monteswar, Bhatar, Asansol Dakshin, and Kalimpong. Notably, Bharat Chetri secured a decisive win in Kalimpong by over 21,000 votes in his electoral debut. The TMC opened its account with a win in Bhagawangola, where Reyat Hossain Sarkar secured a comfortable margin.
Data trends suggested a broader shift in voter preferences, with the BJP making substantial inroads in rural regions and reserved constituencies while also gaining traction in urban pockets. In contrast, the TMC appeared to be losing ground in several strongholds, including minority-dominated areas where it traditionally performed well.
Other parties struggled to make an impact. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Indian National Congress were leading in only a handful of seats, indicating a continued marginal presence in the State’s political landscape.
The election witnessed record voter participation, with turnout reaching 92.8% in the first phase and 91.47% in the second phase — the highest since Independence, according to State election officials. Despite isolated incidents, authorities reported no major violence during counting. The Chief Electoral Officer also prohibited victory rallies on counting day to prevent post-poll unrest.
As counting continues and more rounds are completed, the final outcome remains awaited. Whether the BJP’s early lead translates into a historic mandate or the TMC stages a late recovery will determine the political future of West Bengal in the coming years.
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