The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is making significant strides towards securing an absolute majority in the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections, as per the latest data from the Election Commission of India. With BJP candidates leading in 193 out of 293 Assembly constituencies, the party is on track to form the government. Trinamool Congress follows with 94 seats, while the Left Front-All India Secular Front (AISF) alliance and others are ahead in three and two seats, respectively.
The total number of Assembly constituencies in West Bengal is 294, with 148 seats needed to establish a government. Notably, the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district will undergo repolls on May 21, with results to be announced on May 24. Former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir, founder of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), is leading in the Rejinagar Assembly constituency in Murshidabad, a minority-dominated area.
After the initial five hours of counting, the BJP has shown dominance in North Bengal and tribal-dominated districts like West Midnapore, Bankura, Purulia, East Midnapore, West Burdwan, and Nadia. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress has maintained a strong presence in South 24 Parganas, Howrah, and partially in Hooghly. The competition between BJP and Trinamool Congress remains intense in Kolkata.
As per the latest trends, 23 members of the previous Mamata Banerjee-led cabinet are currently trailing. However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is leading in Bhabanipur, while the opposition leader in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, is ahead in Nandigram. Adhikari is contesting from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur simultaneously in this election.
During the counting process, isolated incidents of violence have been reported from certain areas in the state, particularly in Dinhata and Barrackpore. However, swift action by central forces stationed in these locations has effectively contained the situations, preventing further escalation.
