In 6 charts: Here are the results of a 50-year incumbency test
- Atul Thakur
- TNNUpdated: Nov 30, 2025, 13:03 IST IST
Across 156 state elections from 2000 to 2025, incumbents assumed office 78 times and also lost 78 times—a perfect split. Interestingly, Gujarat hasn't seen a change of government since 1998; from 2002 onwards, BJP has consistently assumed office
Incumbency is a coin toss now. Across 156 state elections from 2000 to 2025, incumbents assumed office 78 times and also lost 78 times—a perfect split.
Compared with the 25 years before 2000, when incumbent parties were voted out in over 60% of contests, today’s electorate is only slightly more pro-incumbency.
Compared with the 25 years before 2000, when incumbent parties were voted out in over 60% of contests, today’s electorate is only slightly more pro-incumbency.
