The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in 185 seats as vote counting begins for the West Bengal 2026 Assembly election [1].
The results could signal a historic shift in power within the state, potentially ending the long-term dominance of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee.
Counting started at 8 a.m. local time on Monday [3]. The Election Commission of India said the counting of votes for assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry has begun [5]. Parallel counting is currently underway in Assam and at various centers in West Bengal, including the Bhabanipur Counting Centre and the Falta constituency [2, 4].
Early data indicates the BJP has crossed the halfway mark in West Bengal, claiming more than 150 seats [6]. This surge has prompted reactions from the national leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the "lotus has bloomed" [7]. He said the moment "will be remembered forever" [8].
While the majority of the state proceeds with the tally, one area remains unresolved. The Election Commission said that the Falta constituency will vote again on May 21, 2026 [9].
The process aims to determine the final composition of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and identify which party or coalition will form the state government [10, 11].
“"Lotus has bloomed"”
A BJP victory with more than 150 seats would represent a significant political realignment in West Bengal. By crossing the halfway mark, the BJP would likely secure a majority in the Legislative Assembly, challenging the TMC's established stronghold and altering the regional power dynamics of eastern India.
