BJP’s Bengal moment: Big win, bigger risks

May 4, 2026 | 23:02 IST

A wave of anti-incumbency swept BJP to power in Bengal, cutting across regions and communities. But delivering on promises, managing identity tensions and restoring institutional trust will determine whether this landslide becomes lasting political change

Bengal, a habitual contrarian, has finally succumbed to the attractions of being one of the crowd of BJP-governed states in north India. Apart from Punjab, Himachal and Jharkhand, political geography has changed. Saffron’s sweep now includes the east, northeast, north and west of India, while four southern states hold out – Kerala, TN, Karnataka and Telangana.

Change, when it happens in Bengal, is invariably a landslide, sweeping out the old, celebrating the new. Problem with such enthusiasm, as Mamata Banerjee has discovered, is short-lived. Like a new car out of the salesroom, depreciation sets in the moment victory is achieved, and the new regime takes over.

TOI

TOI

BJP’s Bengal moment: Big win, bigger risks

A wave of anti-incumbency swept BJP to power in Bengal, cutting across regions and communities. But delivering on promises, managing identity tensions and restoring institutional trust will determine whether this landslide becomes lasting political change

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TOI

BJP’s Bengal moment: Big win, bigger risks

A wave of anti-incumbency swept BJP to power in Bengal, cutting across regions and communities. But delivering on promises, managing identity tensions and restoring institutional trust will determine whether this landslide becomes lasting political change

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