In June 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faced a significant setback, losing seats in both the national Lok Sabha elections and the West Bengal assembly polls. However, by May 2026, the party is on course to achieve its first-ever assembly majority in the state of West Bengal. This remarkable turnaround is the result of four consecutive state victories — in Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Bihar — which rebuilt the BJP’s political machinery, restored its momentum, and set the stage for its most ambitious political achievement yet.
The 2024 Setback
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw the BJP failing to secure a majority on its own, forcing it to rely on coalition partners. In West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) under Mamata Banerjee retained power, dealing a blow to the BJP’s expansion plans. The party’s vote share in the state declined, and internal dissent threatened its organizational strength.
Rebuilding Through State Victories
The BJP’s recovery began with a series of state election wins. In Haryana, the party retained power despite anti-incumbency, thanks to effective grassroots campaigning and welfare schemes. In Maharashtra, the BJP-led alliance overcame internal squabbles to secure a comfortable majority. The Delhi assembly elections saw the BJP dislodge the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) after a decade, riding on issues of governance and development. Finally, in Bihar, the BJP’s alliance with the Janata Dal (United) swept the polls, consolidating the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state.
Impact on West Bengal
These victories rejuvenated the BJP’s cadre in West Bengal. The party’s organizational machinery, which had weakened after the 2024 loss, was revived through the infusion of experienced leaders from winning states. The BJP also leveraged central schemes and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity to counter the TMC’s regional appeal. Key issues such as corruption, law and order, and alleged minority appeasement by the TMC resonated with voters.
The 2026 Assembly Elections
In the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, the BJP fielded a strong candidate list, with Suvendu Adhikari emerging as the chief ministerial face. The party’s campaign focused on development, cultural identity, and anti-incumbency against Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year rule. The results showed the BJP crossing the majority mark, with the TMC reduced to a distant second. This victory marked a historic shift in Bengal’s political landscape, ending the TMC’s dominance.
Reactions and Implications
Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the victory as the “blooming of the lotus in Bengal.” Political analysts attribute the BJP’s success to its ability to rebuild after the 2024 setback, consistent state-level wins, and effective messaging. The result is expected to boost the BJP’s confidence ahead of future national elections and consolidate its position as the dominant political force in India.
