The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to form the next government in West Bengal after securing a landslide victory with 207 seats, as per data released by the Election Commission of India. The oath-taking ceremony for the new Chief Minister will be held on May 9, state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya confirmed on Tuesday.
The ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, was reduced to 80 seats, marking a significant political shift in the state. Despite the defeat, Banerjee has refused to step down, alleging that the election outcome was influenced by the Election Commission.
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“There is no question of me resigning. We were defeated not by public mandate but by conspiracy,” she said during a press conference in Kolkata, accusing the poll body of favouring the BJP.
Meanwhile, speculation is intensifying over who will be the next Chief Minister. Suvendu Adhikari, who defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, has emerged as the frontrunner. Other names being considered include Samik Bhattacharya and BJP vice-president Agnimitra Paul.
Adding to the global spotlight, former US President Donald Trump congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling the BJP’s Bengal victory “historic and decisive.”
The Election Commission has directed state authorities and security forces to maintain strict vigilance and ensure zero tolerance towards post-poll violence.
