US President Donald Trump has extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Bharatiya Janata Party captured power in West Bengal for the first time. The White House termed the result both “historic” and “decisive,” underscoring Washington’s positive view of Modi’s leadership.

In a statement, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said President Trump had recently conveyed his admiration for Modi during a phone conversation and reiterated that India is fortunate to have him at the helm. The remarks came soon after the BJP’s landmark performance in the eastern state.

The election outcome ends the 15-year tenure of Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress government, marking a dramatic shift in West Bengal’s political landscape. The BJP’s entry into power in the state is being viewed as a significant expansion of the party’s footprint in eastern India and a boost for Modi during his third term as Prime Minister.

Addressing party workers in the national capital, Modi described the verdict as a triumph of public will and governance-focused politics. He thanked the people of West Bengal and said the result would usher in a new phase in the state’s development journey.

For years, West Bengal had remained one of the few major states where the BJP struggled to secure power, despite its rapid growth elsewhere in the country. With a population exceeding 100 million, the state represents a substantial political prize, making the victory symbolically and strategically important.

Political observers suggest the result reflects a gradual consolidation of support rather than an overnight transformation. In recent elections, the BJP had steadily increased its vote share in the state, positioning itself as the primary challenger to the Trinamool Congress before finally crossing the majority mark.

Analysts also point to evolving voter dynamics. The Trinamool Congress had long depended on a coalition of women, minority communities and sections of Hindu voters. This time, the BJP appears to have expanded its reach through welfare messaging and sharper political campaigning, benefiting from what commentators describe as anti-incumbency sentiment and shifts in voter alignment.

While the BJP retained power in Assam and Puducherry in parallel contests, West Bengal’s result stands out for its magnitude and political implications. The outcome is widely seen as a defining moment in the party’s national expansion strategy.

Mamata Banerjee, who was defeated in her constituency by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, has raised concerns about the conduct of the election and questioned the role of the Election Commission. She has claimed the mandate does not reflect a fair process. The BJP has dismissed these allegations, asserting that the verdict represents a clear endorsement of its governance agenda and a rejection of the previous administration.

The Bengal result is likely to have lasting consequences for both state and national politics as parties recalibrate strategies in the aftermath of a high-stakes contest.