West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reacted sharply to her party’s unexpected defeat, claiming the electoral outcome was marred by large-scale irregularities. As results placed the BJP comfortably past the halfway mark, Banerjee alleged that over 100 seats were “taken away” unfairly and accused the Election Commission of acting in favour of the ruling party at the Centre.

The BJP clinched 165 seats — surpassing the majority figure of 148 — and was ahead in several more constituencies, marking a dramatic breakthrough in a state long viewed as a difficult battleground for the party.

Addressing reporters, Banerjee described the mandate as “immoral” and alleged collusion between the poll body, central forces, and top BJP leadership. She maintained that her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), would regroup and return stronger.

In a major personal setback, Banerjee was defeated in her Bhabhanipur bastion by over 15,000 votes. Her rival, Suvendu Adhikari — once a close associate who later joined the BJP — had earlier unseated her in Nandigram during the 2021 Assembly polls. This time, Adhikari contested from both Nandigram and Bhabhanipur.

The election witnessed unprecedented voter participation, with turnout exceeding 93% in the first phase and remaining above 90% in the second. The state’s overall voting percentage crossed 92%, the highest ever recorded in Bengal and among the highest nationwide.

Controversy also surrounded the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, during which nearly 90 lakh names were reportedly removed. Opposition parties, including the TMC, alleged that the revision disproportionately affected voters likely to support Banerjee. The Election Commission, however, stated that such revisions are routine and meant to eliminate duplicate, deceased, or ineligible entries.

Tensions escalated further in the run-up to polling. The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at premises linked to I-PAC, a consultancy working with the TMC, prompting Banerjee to personally visit the site. The Supreme Court later expressed concern over her presence at an active investigation, cautioning against interference with due process.

The Election Commission also ordered repolling in all booths of the Falta constituency, citing serious violations. Separately, TMC leaders protested in Kolkata over alleged tampering of ballot boxes, a charge denied by the BJP.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the outcome as a landmark political moment. Speaking at the BJP headquarters in Delhi, he linked the victory to the party’s broader expansion across states along the Ganga river, describing it as a sign of growing public trust.

Referring to wins in both Bengal and Assam — where the BJP secured a third consecutive term — the Prime Minister said the results reflected faith in the party’s governance model centred on citizens’ welfare. He described the verdict as a triumph for democracy and constitutional values, asserting that Bengal had embraced a new era focused on development and confidence.