Early results from West Bengal's state legislature election showed Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party leading in 200 of 294 seats by 4:30 p.m. India time on May 4, a result that would give it its first victory in the state if confirmed. [1]
The All India Trinamool Congress, which has governed West Bengal since 2011, was leading or had won 87 seats at the same time. The TMC had held power in the eastern state of more than 90 million people for 14 years. [1]
The BJP had never won West Bengal before, and the count suggested a sharp break from its previous best performance in the state. In 2021, the party won 77 seats, far short of a majority in the 294-member assembly. [1]
The article said the West Bengal result was the most consequential among five state or territorial election results declared on Monday, with votes also counted in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry and Assam. [1]
At a street-level political pitch, Seema Das told the article the ruling party "favours Muslims" and said, "Didi has lost the track and only appeases Muslims to stay in power." [1]
Election authorities were still counting votes, and the final result in West Bengal was due to be confirmed after the tally was completed later on Monday. [1]
