BJP Wins in West Bengal, Ending Mamata’s 15-Year Rule
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The BJP has secured victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections, winning 208 out of 294 seats to form the government. This marks the end of nearly 15 years of continuous rule by the Trinamool Congress, which managed to secure only 79 seats.
Additionally, the CPM won 1 seat, Congress won 2, and other parties took 3 seats. However, the Election Commission has canceled the poll in the Falta constituency of South 24 Parganas due to allegations of irregularities. Re-polling there will take place on May 21, with counting scheduled for May 24.
Trinamool leader Mamata Banerjee was defeated in her own constituency, Bhawanipur. She also lost the Nandigram seat to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, meaning Adhikari emerged victorious in both of the state's most high-profile contests.
A neck-and-neck battle unfolded in Bhawanipur from the start of the counting process. Mamata held the lead in the initial rounds, but the margin fluctuated as the counting progressed. While she remained ahead until the 15th round, Suvendu Adhikari closed the gap in the subsequent rounds. He eventually overtook her in the 16th round and maintained his lead to secure the win.
Before the final results were announced, Suvendu Adhikari had claimed that while he might trail in the early rounds, he would eventually turn the tide. He stated that his opponent would hold leads in specific booths, but he would pull ahead in later rounds to secure the ultimate victory—a prediction that was reflected in the final outcome.
Following the win, Suvendu Adhikari expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.
Meanwhile, following her defeat, Mamata Banerjee alleged that irregularities had occurred during the election. she claimed that she was forcibly defeated and vowed that she would make a comeback.
Notably, Mamata Banerjee had been serving as the Chief Minister of West Bengal since May 20, 2011. After winning three consecutive elections, she had previously ended the 34-year rule of the Left Front. However, her party has now faced defeat in this election cycle. (Source: NDTV)