VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Ram Gopal Varma shares RARE OLD photo wishing Thalapathy Vijay; Young Vijay with late CM Karunanidhi sparks debate 5 simple and mindful steps for office goers to grow jade plants that attract prosperity and positivity Tamil Nadu CM swearing-in: Short of majority by just 10 seats TVK chief Vijay to take oath on May 7 – but how will it form government? ‘Won’t be tolerated’: Starmer warns Iran as UK probes foreign influence amid rising antisemitic attacks NEW DELHI: TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accused the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP in the West Bengal assembly elections which gave a sweeping mandate in favour of the saffron party. She said that she would set up 10-member fact-finding committee to visit areas hit by post-poll violence in the state.The BJP won 207 seats, bringing an end to the TMC’s 15-year rule and decisively altering the state’s political and ideological landscape. Watch Mamata Banerjee Calls Herself A ‘Free Bird’, Alleges Manhandling During Counting In Bengal“We fought against the entire machinery, with the Prime Minister and the Home Minister also involved, there was direct interference. They deleted 90 lakh names from the voter list. When we approached the court, 32 lakh names were restored. But do you know that another seven lakh names, which were submitted together, were also included later, and nobody is aware of that? This shows how such dirty, nasty, and mischievous games were played,” she said.She accused the central forces of “behaving like goons” and accused them of physically assaulting her during the vote counting process on May 4.”After first round of counting, they started saying that BJP is getting 195-200. You didn’t wait for the final result. You didn’t even wait for 5-6 rounds. After that campaign with the press media, BJP went inside the polling station and they started beating the people, counting agents. When I came to know that all counting agents are withdrawn, I was leading by about 30,000 and about 5 rounds were left. We should have got more than 32,000,” she added.”Then the BJP candidate went inside along with 200 CRPF personnel and 200 outside goons, then they beat up our people. Even women were not spared and they snatched away all forms. When I came to know, I went there. They stopped my car but I took another route. When I entered, CRPF told me that I was not allowed to go. I said that I am a candidate…Then I complained to the RO that counting should be stopped immediately until normalcy is restored. I saw the DEO. I know that he gave a message to someone 15 days ago that ‘counting mein khel hoga’…I went inside for a few minutes. They kicked me in my belly, backside and manhandled and assaulted me. That time CCTV was off,” she said.She further said that she would now work towards strengthening INDIA bloc, adding that opposition leaders like”Sonia ji, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Uddhav Thackeray, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Hemant Soren rang me up. All the allies of INDIA alliance told me that they are totally and absolutely with me. I think our solidarity will be united and strong for the next days,” she said.”My target is very clear. I will strengthen the INDIA team, just like a small person. I don’t have any chair now, so I am a commoner. So, you cannot tell me that I am using your chair. I am now a free bird. I gave my entire life in service to the people, even in these 15 years I have not withdrawn one paisa of pension. I am not taking one paisa of salary also. But now, I am a free bird. So, I have to do some work, that I will manage to do,” she added.BJP won 207 seats in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly, further strengthening its historic mandate after clinching the Rajarhat–New Town constituency through a recount on Tuesday. The revised tally added a final dramatic turn to an already landmark election verdict.The result followed Monday’s sweeping mandate in which the BJP crossed the two-thirds majority mark, ending the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule and paving the way for the party’s first government in the state.The verdict also carried strong symbolic significance, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee losing the high-profile Bhabanipur seat to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.With its tally now firmly above the majority mark of 148, the BJP has further consolidated its dominant position in the Assembly, underlining the scale of its electoral triump.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.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia 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 UAEPunjab Showdown: AAP MLAs Head to President Over Rajya Sabha RowIndia Rejects Nepal’s Objection To Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Via Lipulekh PassNepal Objects To India-China Plan To Conduct Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via LipulekhIndia-Linked LPG Tanker MT Sarv Shakti Heads To Visakhapatnam After Crossing Hormuz123Photostories5 Met Gala 2026 looks that turned famous paintings into iconic fashion moments5 simple and mindful steps for office goers to grow jade plants that attract prosperity and positivityWhat really happens when you drink Beetroot juice every day for a weekBEST quotes by Farah Khan that show her unfiltered HONESTY and BOLD take on BollywoodTop 8 trending art styles to decorate your apartment in 20265 popular and adorable cat breeds for pet parentsWhat happens when you store salt in a steel container: 4 right ways to store salt amidst humid monthsThe ‘Big Four’ snakes of India and where travellers can spot them in the wildAfter BJP’s Bengal sweep, all eyes on CM face: Who will take charge?From fight with Rupali Ganguly to shocking casting couch experience: Anupamaa’s Madalsa Sharma gets candid123Hot PicksBarrackpore election resultTiruchirappalli election resultMettupalayam election resultsEttumanoor election resultPerambur election resultBagnan election resultKazhakkoottam election resultTop TrendingIran warRahul GandhiBadruddin AjmalIPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosIPL 2026 Points TableMI IPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosPM ModiNEET 2026: Exam-day guideSRMJEEE 2026 Phase 1 ResultTVK Chief Vijay Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s T20 success not enough for ‘respect’: Sanjay Manjrekar sets challenge for RR batter Govt lists 40 sub-sectors for faster FDI clearance from border nations-check details MHT CET 2026 PCM session 2 exam city intimation slip released: Direct link to download here Bobby Deol was unsure about Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Bandar’ until Dharmendra urged him to : ‘Go take a chance’ Priyanka Chopra Parenting Advice: “What I would tell you is something my father did, he gave me…” Priyanka Chopra shares one thing every father should do for his child How to maximise your e-scooter’s range in city rides: Simple tips Battery fire: IndiGo Hyderabad -Chandigarh flight passengers evacuated by slides at destination; all safe Mamata Banerjee Declares Herself a ‘Free Bird’, Raghav Chadha Alleges Vendetta Politics | India News NTA CUET UG 2026 admit card released at cuet.nta.nic.in: Direct link to download hall ticket here Govinda’s wife Sunita Ahuja opens up on reuniting with Krushna Abhishek, Kashmera Shah, says their children look like her Jennifer Aniston Home Decor: Artistic elegance of Jennifer Aniston’s luxurious home | Why did Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce skip the 2026 Met Gala? The real reason fans didn’t see them Uae School Break: UAE announces 9-day Eid Al Adha school break starting May 25 for students across private and public schools | World News Tapas Maity of the All India Trinamool Congress defeated Gobinda Hazra of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Domjur, winning by a margin of 42,177 votes after all 22 rounds of counting.Domjur in Howrah district is currently represented by Kalyanendu Ghosh of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. He won the 2021 election with 1,30,499 votes (52per cent vote share), defeating BJP’s Rajib Banerjee by a margin of 42,620 votes (BJP got 87,879). Key issues in the constituency include drainage and waterlogging in low‑lying areas, road upgrades in peri‑urban zones like Salap and Domjur, and piped drinking water supply amid suburban expansion. Employment opportunities, health and school infrastructure, and regulation of illegal constructions and syndicate activities are also major local concerns. Kalyanendu Ghosh succeeded Rajib Banerjee (TMC 2011–2016), who defected to the BJP before 2021; the seat was CPI(M)’s earlier (Mohanta Chatterjee won 2006), but TMC has held it firmly since 2011. Domjur falls under the Sreerampur Lok Sabha constituency, won by TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee in 2024 by 1,74,830 votes.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.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“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 UAEPunjab Showdown: AAP MLAs Head to President Over Rajya Sabha RowIndia Rejects Nepal’s Objection To Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Via Lipulekh PassNepal Objects To India-China Plan To Conduct Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via LipulekhIndia-Linked LPG Tanker MT Sarv Shakti Heads To Visakhapatnam After Crossing HormuzPassenger Opens Emergency Exit Door On Air Arabia Flight While Taxiing At Chennai Airport, ArrestedAhead Of Counting, Gunmen Open Fire At BJP Leader’s House In Bengal’s Noapara‘I Am Also A Victim’: Vinesh Phogat Identifies As Complainant In Brij Bhushan Sexual Harassment Case123PhotostoriesWhat happens when you store salt in a steel container: 4 right ways to store salt amidst humid monthsThe ‘Big Four’ snakes of India and where travellers can spot them in the wildAfter BJP’s Bengal sweep, all eyes on CM face: Who will take charge?From fight with Rupali Ganguly to shocking casting couch experience: Anupamaa’s Madalsa Sharma gets candid5 most common places where snakes can hide in homes in the US (You might miss some out, right in front of your eyes)Met Gala debuts: From Sunday Rose to Lila Moss, the most iconic celeb kids debut over the yearsWhich are the most common surnames around the world? Things travellers should know10 early signs your child may be exceptionally brightVenus Williams to Naomi Osaka: Best dressed athletes at Met Gala 2026″I do enjoy cooking at times”: R.Madhavan on his connection with cooking and his 10 vegetarian South Indian breakfast choices123Hot PicksBarrackpore election resultTiruchirappalli election resultMettupalayam election resultsEttumanoor election resultPerambur election resultBagnan election resultKazhakkoottam election resultTop TrendingIran warRahul GandhiBadruddin AjmalIPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosIPL 2026 Points TableMI IPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosPM ModiNEET 2026: Exam-day guideSRMJEEE 2026 Phase 1 ResultTVK Chief Vijay Updated: May 05, 2026, 17:37 IST How to choose right career after CBSE Class 12 result? Options beyond engineering, medicine and traditional degrees Daniel Baldwin accuses Jimmy Kimmel of fueling political ‘hatred’ after Trump shooting incident: ‘Your words have followers’ Oscar Wilde Love Quotes: Love quote of the day by Oscar Wilde: “Never love anyone who treats you like…” Why snowfall in the Himalayas is declining: Scientists warn of a growing crisis Lest you forget: TVK claims victory with promises for voters Candace Owens: “If we get deported….”: Candace Owens fires back with mockery as Laura Loomer demands probe into husband’s “immigration fraud” Congress Farakka candidate wins election after his name was deleted during SIR NEW DELHI: In the Farakka constituency of West Bengal, an interesting case related to the Special Intensive Revision and the assembly elections took place. A Congress candidate whose name had been struck off the electoral rolls during the SIR, fought the case, won back his voting rights and later conquered the constituency too.Congress candidate Motab Shaikh won the Farakka assembly seat in Murshidabad district, after successfully restoring his eligibility through a Supreme Court-mandated tribunal process.Shaikh defeated BJP’s Sunil Chowdhuri by 8,193 votes, securing 63,050 votes against Chowdhuri’s 54,857, while Trinamool Congress candidate Amirul Islam finished third with 47,256 votes.The victory marks a significant turnaround for the Congress, which also won the Raninagar seat, overcoming the setback of failing to secure a single seat in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.Shaikh’s win is notable given that his name was initially missing from the electoral rolls following the SIR exercise. He challenged the deletion before an appellate tribunal, one of 19 bodies constituted on the Supreme Court’s directions to examine such cases. The tribunal restored his voting rights shortly before the nomination deadline, allowing him to contest the election.In Shaikh’s case, Calcutta high court advocate Firdous Samim appeared in person at Bichar Bhawan and submitted the necessary documents, leading to the restoration of his name in the rolls.Referring to the Supreme Court’s order dated September 8, 2025, former Justice TS Sivagnanam observed that an Aadhar card can be accepted as a supporting document. Though it is not a proof of citizenship, it is “one of the documents enumerated for the purpose of establishing the identity of a person”.Congress also registered a win in the neighbouring Raninagar constituency, where its candidate Julfikar Ali defeated Trinamool’s Soumik Hossain by 2,701 votes, signalling a modest but symbolically important revival for the party in the state.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.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“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 UAEPunjab Showdown: AAP MLAs Head to President Over Rajya Sabha RowIndia Rejects Nepal’s Objection To Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Via Lipulekh PassNepal Objects To India-China Plan To Conduct Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via LipulekhIndia-Linked LPG Tanker MT Sarv Shakti Heads To Visakhapatnam After Crossing HormuzPassenger Opens Emergency Exit Door On Air Arabia Flight While Taxiing At Chennai Airport, ArrestedAhead Of Counting, Gunmen Open Fire At BJP Leader’s House In Bengal’s Noapara‘I Am Also A Victim’: Vinesh Phogat Identifies As Complainant In Brij Bhushan Sexual Harassment Case123PhotostoriesTop 8 trending art styles to decorate your apartment in 20265 popular and adorable cat breeds for pet parentsWhat happens when you store salt in a steel container: 4 right ways to store salt amidst humid monthsThe ‘Big Four’ snakes of India and where travellers can spot them in the wildAfter BJP’s Bengal sweep, all eyes on CM face: Who will take charge?From fight with Rupali Ganguly to shocking casting couch experience: Anupamaa’s Madalsa Sharma gets candid5 most common places where snakes can hide in homes in the US (You might miss some out, right in front of your eyes)Met Gala debuts: From Sunday Rose to Lila Moss, the most iconic celeb kids debut over the yearsWhich are the most common surnames around the world? Things travellers should know10 early signs your child may be exceptionally bright123Hot PicksBarrackpore election resultTiruchirappalli election resultMettupalayam election resultsEttumanoor election resultPerambur election resultBagnan election resultKazhakkoottam election resultTop TrendingIran warRahul GandhiBadruddin AjmalIPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosIPL 2026 Points TableMI IPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosPM ModiNEET 2026: Exam-day guideSRMJEEE 2026 Phase 1 ResultTVK Chief Vijay BPSC 72nd CCE prelims notification 2026 released: Registration for 1,230 posts begins on May 7; check complete details Trisha Krishnan’s old ‘CM’ statement goes viral again after Thalapathy Vijay’s big win- Watch Video Top 8 trending art styles to decorate your apartment in 2026 Horoscope Tomorrow, May 06, 2026: Your zodiac insights await American billionaire Mark Cuban has a ‘message’ for OpenAI CEO Sam Altman: You are wasting a lot of … Dramatic river rescue in South Africa: Missing businessman’s remains are found inside 15-foot crocodile | Watch | World News NEW DELHI: A day after the BJP’s sweeping victory in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday refused to accept the verdict as a reflection of public mandate and declared that she will not be resigning, alleging irregularities and signalling a multi-pronged political and legal response.“No question of me resigning, we were defeated not by public mandate but by conspiracy,” Mamata Banerjee said, addressing a press conference in Kolkata.Escalating her attack, she said, “We did not fight BJP, we fought EC which worked for the saffron party,”.The TMC chief also announced that the party will set up a 10-member fact-finding committee to visit areas affected by post-poll violence across the state.The statements come even as the BJP tightened its grip on the assembly, taking its tally to 207 seats in the 294-member House after a recount victory in Rajarhat-New Town. The result followed Monday’s decisive mandate, which saw the BJP cross the two-thirds mark and end the TMC’s 15-year rule in the state.With the current assembly term ending on May 6, attention has now shifted to government formation. According to reports, the oath-taking ceremony is likely on May 9, coinciding with Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary, though an official announcement is awaited.What happens next? As per procedure, Mamata Banerjee is expected to resign as chief minister but continue in a caretaker capacity until the new government is sworn in. The BJP, as the majority party, will then stake claim to form the government, following which the governor will invite its leader to take oath.Even as the transition process begins, the TMC may pursue multiple options in response to the electoral outcome. However, Mamata Banerjee may find it difficult to sustain her stance of not stepping down as chief minister.TMC may explore legal options including election petitions in the culcutta high court. There is also discussion around broader political mobilisation on the ground and the possibility of coordinated action with INDIA bloc allies.”Sonia ji, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Uddhav Thackeray, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Hemant Soren rang me up. All the allies of INDIA Alliance told me that they are totally and absolutely with me. I think our solidarity will be united and strong for the next days. Akhilesh requested me if he can come today itself but I told him to come tomorrow. So, he will come tomorrow.” TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee said. “One by one everyone will come. My target is very clear. I will strengthen the INDIA team, just like a small person. I don’t have any chair now, so I am a commoner. So, you cannot tell me that I am using your chair. I am now a free bird. I gave my entire life in service to the people, even in these 15 years I have not withdrawn one paisa of pension. I am not taking one paisa of salary also. But now, I am a free bird. So, I have to do some work, that I will manage to do.” She added. A collective petition in the Supreme Court challenging aspects of the SIR process, including voter roll revisions, could also be considered.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.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“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 UAEPunjab Showdown: AAP MLAs Head to President Over Rajya Sabha RowIndia Rejects Nepal’s Objection To Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route Via Lipulekh PassNepal Objects To India-China Plan To Conduct Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via LipulekhIndia-Linked LPG Tanker MT Sarv Shakti Heads To Visakhapatnam After Crossing HormuzPassenger Opens Emergency Exit Door On Air Arabia Flight While Taxiing At Chennai Airport, ArrestedAhead Of Counting, Gunmen Open Fire At BJP Leader’s House In Bengal’s Noapara‘I Am Also A Victim’: Vinesh Phogat Identifies As Complainant In Brij Bhushan Sexual Harassment Case123PhotostoriesTop 8 trending art styles to decorate your apartment in 20265 popular and adorable cat breeds for pet parentsWhat happens when you store salt in a steel container: 4 right ways to store salt amidst humid monthsThe ‘Big Four’ snakes of India and where travellers can spot them in the wildAfter BJP’s Bengal sweep, all eyes on CM face: Who will take charge?From fight with Rupali Ganguly to shocking casting couch experience: Anupamaa’s Madalsa Sharma gets candid5 most common places where snakes can hide in homes in the US (You might miss some out, right in front of your eyes)Met Gala debuts: From Sunday Rose to Lila Moss, the most iconic celeb kids debut over the yearsWhich are the most common surnames around the world? Things travellers should know10 early signs your child may be exceptionally bright123Hot PicksBarrackpore election resultTiruchirappalli election resultMettupalayam election resultsEttumanoor election resultPerambur election resultBagnan election resultKazhakkoottam election resultTop TrendingIran warRahul GandhiBadruddin AjmalIPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosIPL 2026 Points TableMI IPL Playoff Qualification ScenariosPM ModiNEET 2026: Exam-day guideSRMJEEE 2026 Phase 1 ResultTVK Chief Vijay Updated: May 05, 2026, 16:58 IST GITAM invites applications for UG, PG programmes Amid trolling for viral reels, here’s recalling when Kareena Kapoor had Rahul Roy’s poster in her bathroom, Salman Khan revealed his poster was replaced What are the benefits of doing meditation; why you should do it everyday Plants can hear the rain, and it makes them grow faster: Study Highly qualified, not dependent: Allahabad High Court denies maintenance to doctor wife whose tax records showed Rs 31 lakh annual income Hajj 2026 Rules: Saudi Arabia tightens Hajj 2026 rules; violators may face SAR20,000 fine, deportation and 10-year entry ban | World News Punjab CM leaves for Delhi, will meet President Murmu to raise issue of AAP MPs moving to BJP ICC T20I rankings: India retain no. 1 spot – where are Asian neighbours Pakistan and Sri Lanka? UPSSSC JE answer key 2026 released at upsssc.gov.in: Direct link to download here Christopher Nolan praises ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2,’ calls the Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway starrer sequel ‘fabulous’ The ‘Big Four’ snakes of India and where travellers can spot them in the wild Ultraviolette Tesseract coming soon: 261 km range e-scooter explained West Bengal election: The ‘sun sets’ for Mamata Banerjee ‘We want to go home’: US travel blogger breaks down as hantavirus outbreak kills 3 on Atlantic cruise ship BJP supporters celebrating after party’s massive victory in West Bengal. (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: Bengal on May 4 felt the pulse of its politics and what was seemingly inevitable – the poriborton.The 2026 Bengal assembly verdict wasn’t just decisive — it was transformative. The once-puny BJP morphed into an invincible force, surging past the 200-mark to claim 207 seats with a commanding 45.84% vote share.The Trinamool Congress (TMC), which once dominated the state with 225 seats, was reduced to double digits, with its vote share slipping to 40.8 percent. The scale of this reversal told a deeper story than numbers alone. This was not a narrow swing or a fragmented mandate as the verdict roared out loud across Banga, echoing the deep rooted anti-incumbency against the Mamata regime.The signal was unmistakable when over 92.5 percent of Bengal’s electorate turned up to vote, a level of participation unseen since Independence. Such surges in turnout rarely occur without a powerful undercurrent of sentiment and emotion.9 out of 10 voters turning up in a contest against a 15-year incumbent could not have been read as routine without a serious misjudgment, especially when the dispensation faced allegations of corruption, unemployment, and above all, a collapse of law and order.The structural shift across regions, communities, and classes, from North Bengal to the industrial belts of Howrah and the urban clusters around Kolkata, the message was consistent. Bengal and its Bhadralok voted not just for pivot, but for a shompurno poriborton! Saffron surge in West BengalA complete resetThis outcome felt inevitable for reasons that go well beneath the final numbers where lies layers of discontent, recalibration, and political strategy that unfolded over years.At the heart of the verdict was a powerful and deeply embedded anti incumbency sentiment. Fifteen years of TMC rule under Mamata Banerjee had created fatigue that cut across rural and urban Bengal. What began in 2011 as a movement against the Left Front’s stagnation had, by 2026, come full circle. Mamata Banerjee had once represented disruption and hope. Over time, her regime became associated with a different vocabulary. Words like “cut money”, “syndicate control”, and “tolabazi” became shorthand for everyday governance failures. A stark atmosphere in and around West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence on the counting day of West Bengal Assembly elections, in Kolkata on Monday. (ANI)This was not merely opposition rhetoric, it was a lived experience. From construction projects to small household repairs, local syndicates were perceived to control economic activity. For many citizens, governance appeared outsourced to local intermediaries, considered the foot soldiers of the Trinamool, rather than directed by the state. The gap between Mamata’s image as a grassroots leader and the functioning of her party machinery widened steadily. That disconnect proved politically fatal.Strong stains of corruptionCorruption scandals played a crucial role in hardening this sentiment as Bengal had already seen controversies before, from Saradha to Narada, but the teacher recruitment scam struck a different chord. The cancellation of over 25,000 teaching and non teaching appointments by the Supreme Court transformed corruption from an abstract charge into a personal crisis for thousands of families. In a state where government jobs carry immense social value, the scandal symbolised a breakdown of trust. Vote Share in West Bengal electionsAlongside corruption came a pervasive concern about law and order. The rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in 2024 became a turning point in the public psyche. The outrage that followed was not confined to Kolkata as it resonated to every Indian and made space for social media feeds, especially among women voters who had long been the backbone of Trinamool’s electoral strength. The perception that the government’s response lacked urgency or empathy deepened the damage. For a leadership that had built its legitimacy on emotional connection, this rupture was profound.Women’s safetyWomen voters did turn out in large numbers, even higher than men. However, the turnout did not translate into votes for TMC. Welfare schemes like Lakshmi Bhandar and Kanyashree had once secured unwavering support in favour of Mamata but by 2026, that backing had become conditional. Women voters began to weigh safety, employment, and long term prospects alongside financial assistance. The BJP recognised this shift early and responded with a calibrated strategy. Schemes and promises It promised higher cash transfers, effectively doubling existing benefits, while simultaneously foregrounding issues of safety and dignity. The result was not a complete realignment but a crucial erosion of Trinamool’s advantage.Crisis of ‘chakri’ Economic anxiety formed another pillar of the BJP’s unprecedented performance in the non-Hindi speaking state. Bengal’s long narrative of de-industrialisation had reached a tipping point in the public imagination. Migration became a powerful symbol of failure. Families spoke openly about children leaving the state for work in other regions, including those governed by the BJP. This was not just about chakris (jobs). It was about dignity and aspiration. The promise of industrial revival and employment creation gave the BJP a credible economic plank, even if it remained aspirational. How the regions votedThe impact of this narrative was particularly visible in industrial belts like Barrackpore and Howrah. These regions, once dominated by labour politics, had experienced decades of decline. Factories closed, jobs disappeared, and political networks shifted towards control of local economies rather than production. Voters in these areas responded to the BJP’s promise of disruption. The party’s success here was not just electoral. It was symbolic of a broader shift from nostalgia to impatience.Counter consolidation of HindusIdentity politics played a huge role in paving the way for Hindutva politics to make inroads in Bengal. The consolidation of Hindu votes, cutting across caste and linguistic lines, provided the BJP with a stable electoral base. Allegations of appeasement by the ruling party, whether fully grounded or politically amplified, created fertile ground for this consolidation. The BJP’s messaging was clear and consistent as it positioned itself as a party that would restore balance, enforce rule of law, and address concerns around illegal immigration and demographic change. Saffron shiftHowever, the party did not rely solely on polarisation, but complemented this narrative with a conscious effort to localise its appeal. The outsider tag that had hurt it in 2021 was systematically dismantled with campaigns invoking Bengali culture, from references to Maa Kali to the use of local idioms and symbols. Leaders engaged with everyday cultural markers, whether through fish, jhalmuri or festivals, to signal familiarity rather than distance. This recalibration helped the BJP embed itself within Bengal’s socio-cultural landscape.Relentless campaignsPrime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, who stayed in the state for 15 days, maintained a constant presence on the ground, adding another layer to the relentless campaign by the local BJP cadre that was seemingly weak in substantial pockets of Bengal, especially rural Bengal. 110 days of campaigns Their messaging evolved from broad ideological appeals to hyper local issues. The call for poriborton became both a slogan and a sentiment that resonated with voters already inclined towards change.The Special Intensive RevisionThe role of institutional factors cannot be ignored as the revision of electoral rolls under the SIR process became a contentious issue. While the Trinamool framed it as a targeted exclusion of its voter base, the BJP argued it was a necessary correction of inflated lists. Regardless of where the truth lies, the outcome was clear. The issue did not translate into a political advantage for the ruling party. Instead, improved polling conditions and the presence of central forces appeared to embolden voters who might otherwise have hesitated. Strike rate in 2026 Bengal pollsThe BJP’s targeted reachout among its voter base further strengthened its position as Matua community, a significant electoral bloc, largely remained aligned with the party despite concerns over citizenship and voter list revisions. This continuity ensured that key constituencies in North 24 Parganas and Nadia stayed within the BJP’s fold.Urban and suburban voters too emerged as the decisive factor. The decimation of Trinamool’s dominance in the Kolkata belt and surrounding districts marked the tipping point. These areas had historically delivered the margins needed for victory. Their shift towards the BJP reflected a convergence of factors. Economic dissatisfaction, concerns over governance, and a desire for change combined to produce a decisive swing.The perception warWhat tilted this election decisively towards the BJP was Mamata Banerjee’s failure to set her own narrative. Instead, the chief minister played on her rival’s turf, reacting to their attacks. In the social media era, such a perceptual dent can prove irredeemable.The most striking aspect of the election was the BJP’s ability to craft a multi-layered narrative that addressed different constituencies simultaneously. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives to celebrate victory with BJP supporters after the party’s massive win in the West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry Assembly election 2026 at BJP headquarters, in New Delhi on Monday. BJP National President Nitin Nabin also present. For welfare beneficiaries, it offered higher financial support. For the unemployed, it promised jobs and industrial revival. For women, it highlighted safety and dignity. For Hindu voters, it emphasised identity and security. This broad based approach created a coalition that was difficult for the TMC to counter.In contrast, the ruling party struggled to adapt. Its welfare model, once innovative, had become predictable. Its narrative of Bengali identity, which had effectively countered the BJP in earlier elections, lost some of its resonance in the face of economic and governance concerns. Attempts at course correction, such as stipends for priests or increased support for cultural events, appeared reactive rather than strategic.Gratitude based politics gave way to transactional expectations as beneficiaries of welfare schemes began to see themselves as consumers of political offerings rather than loyal supporters and that shift made them more open to alternatives that promised better returns.Migration, industrial decline, corruption, safety concerns, and identity politics all converged to create a political environment in which change became not just desirable but inevitable. The BJP did not create these conditions. It recognised and capitalised on them more effectively than its opponent.Even incidents during the campaign hinted at the direction of the verdict. Localised confrontations, shifts in turnout patterns, and the changing tone of public discourse suggested that the ground was shifting. By the time votes were cast, the momentum had already moved decisively in one direction.The phrase “set in stone” may sound deterministic, but in the context of Bengal’s 2026 verdict, it captures a reality that unfolded over years. The BJP’s victory was not just the result of a successful campaign, but the product of accumulated grievances, politically prudent adaptation, and a changing consciousness among voters.By the time votes were cast, the outcome was no longer in doubt. As the results showed, the signs were visible in the anger, in the silence, and in the unprecedented turnout. Bengal did not wake up on counting day to choose change, it had made that choice long before. The result only confirmed what had already been “set in stone”, May the 4th be Poriborton!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.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. 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