KOLKATA — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading by a clear margin in the early count of the West Bengal assembly election, with close contests in many seats between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP.
As counting progresses, political tension is rising. The shape of who will lead Bengal’s next government is expected to become clearer by midday.
By 12:30 p.m. Bangladesh time, the BJP was leading in 183 of the 294 seats and the Trinamool Congress in 102, according to the count. The BJP has built its campaign around anti-incumbency sentiment against the Trinamool government, which has held power for 15 years. The R.G. Kar case and the Kasba Law College incident, both involving violence against women, have put significant pressure on the ruling party.
The Trinamool’s main strengths after 15 years in power are its strong organizational base and popular welfare programs. The success of the Lakshmir Bhandar cash transfer scheme in rural Bengal and the consolidation of minority voters remain key for Mamata Banerjee’s party.
The question now is whether Banerjee can secure a hat-trick and maintain her grip on power, or whether a new government will take charge in Bengal.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report