KOLKATA: ‘Bhadralok’ neighbourhoods of north and south Kolkata – considered impenetrable fortresses of TMC for over a decade – decisively flipped these elections, revealing a metropolitan electorate that traded its traditional allegiance for a “new beginning” under BJP.Professor Maidul Islam said, “There has been a demographic shift in 15 years. Non-Bengali vote share has increased in Kolkata. Then, there are high-rises, where residents are drawn to the idea of having the same party at the Centre and state. Young voters’ consciousness is shaped by social media, mainstream cinema and series, which act as direct or indirect propaganda.”For years, BJP was branded ‘bahiragata (outsider)’. In 2026, its deployment of “intellectual insiders” played a key role in sanitising its image for a cosmopolitan palate. The selection of Swapan Dasgupta, journalist and Padma Bhushan awardee, for a culturally sensitive seat like Rashbehari and doctors such as Sharadwat Mukherjee in Bidhannagar and Indranil Khan in Behala West helped bridge the gap between the party’s saffron roots and the ‘bhadralok’ demand for sophistication.’Bhadralok’ is a colloquial term that refers to the city’s well-heeled gentry.Political scientist Sayoni Chowdhury said, “We are seeing a consolidation of a neo-middle class that is less tethered to the Left legacy or the early TMC years.”Political analyst Udayan Banerjee said making Samik Bhattacharya BJP’s state chief was a strategic move, as he had an intellectual persona. A south Kolkata resident said, “Seeing candidates who speak our language – both literally and intellectually – made BJP feel less like a Delhi imposition.”Follow the latest election results 2026, live updates, winner lists, constituency-wise results, party-wise trends and full coverage for Tamil Nadu election results, West Bengal election results, Kerala election results, Assam election results and Puducherry election results results on Times of India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDMK Hits Out As Congress Directs TNCC To Take Final Call On Vijay’s Support Request’Historic, Decisive’: Trump Congratulates PM Modi Over BJP’s Win In Bengal ElectionsDefeat but ‘Moral Win’? Mamata Targets EC, Hints At BIGGER Opposition AlliancePower Bank Catches Fire On IndiGo Hyderabad-Chandigarh Flight, All Passengers And Crew EvacuatedIndia Seeks To Lease Three Ultra Heavy Lift Helicopters To Boost CapabilityAIMIM Chief Owaisi Says Muslim Votes Wasted on Secular Parties, Calls for ShiftKejriwal Alleges BJP “Robbed” Punjab of Rajya Sabha Seats, Vows Political Revenge“Democracy Being Mocked”: Bhagwant Mann Meets President Over Defection of 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPsNCERT Clears Revised Class 8 Textbook After Judiciary Chapter Row And Public ApologyPM Modi call Fujairah Attack ‘Unacceptable’, Three Indians Injured In UAE123PhotostoriesMorning affirmation at 5 AM: What your mind needs to hear todayWatermelon vs. mango: Which is better for summer nutrition and the right way to consume5 unique national parks in South America where waterfalls, wildlife and wilderness come aliveHow to make Chef Ranveer Brar-Style Lucknowi Dal Falaknuma at homeOlder than dinosaurs? 5 prehistoric-era animals that still walk the Earth todayKaran Johar to Ananya Birla:Indian stars who stole the show at Met Gala 2026From ‘The Dark Knight’ to ‘Brokeback Mountain’: Heath Ledger’s top films to stream on OTT right nowA fresh, green home without the effort: Plants that thrive even when you forget8 ‘weird’ dog behaviours explained: What your pet is really trying to tell youSubtle signs you’re outgrowing a friendship– And how to deal with it123Hot PicksBarrackpore election resultTiruchirappalli election resultMettupalayam election resultsEttumanoor election resultPerambur election resultBagnan election resultKazhakkoottam election resultTop TrendingNFL Trade RumorsRahul GandhiBadruddin AjmalIPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosIPL 2026 Points TableMI IPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosJalandhar BlastNEET 2026: Exam-day guideSRMJEEE 2026 Phase 1 ResultTVK Chief Vijay
KOLKATA: ‘Bhadralok’ neighbourhoods of north and south Kolkata – considered impenetrable fortresses of TMC for over a decade – decisively flipped these elections, revealing a metropolitan electorate that traded its traditional allegiance for a “new beginning” under BJP.Professor Maidul Islam said, “There has been a demographic shift in 15 years. Non-Bengali vote share has increased in Kolkata. Then, there are high-rises, where residents are drawn to the idea of having the same party at the Centre and state. Young voters’ consciousness is shaped by social media, mainstream cinema and series, which act as direct or indirect propaganda.”For years, BJP was branded ‘bahiragata (outsider)’. In 2026, its deployment of “intellectual insiders” played a key role in sanitising its image for a cosmopolitan palate. The selection of Swapan Dasgupta, journalist and Padma Bhushan awardee, for a culturally sensitive seat like Rashbehari and doctors such as Sharadwat Mukherjee in Bidhannagar and Indranil Khan in Behala West helped bridge the gap between the party’s saffron roots and the ‘bhadralok’ demand for sophistication.‘Bhadralok’ is a colloquial term that refers to the city’s well-heeled gentry.Political scientist Sayoni Chowdhury said, “We are seeing a consolidation of a neo-middle class that is less tethered to the Left legacy or the early TMC years.”Political analyst Udayan Banerjee said making Samik Bhattacharya BJP’s state chief was a strategic move, as he had an intellectual persona. A south Kolkata resident said, “Seeing candidates who speak our language – both literally and intellectually – made BJP feel less like a Delhi imposition.”
