Bharatiya Janata Party set to form its first government in West Bengal, with swearing-in on Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti.
May 5, 2026: The Bharatiya Janata Party is set to form its first-ever government in West Bengal on May 9, marking a historic political shift in the state. The date coincides with the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. The BJP’s sweeping victory has ended Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year rule, breaking a long-standing regional stronghold.
Reacting to the outcome, Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the mandate “historic” and said it reflects the people’s desire for change. Addressing party workers in New Delhi, he stressed that the focus ahead should be on “change, not revenge,” urging an end to political violence and a shift toward development-driven governance.
The Bengal result stands out in the wider electoral landscape, where several incumbent governments faced anti-incumbency. However, this victory is particularly significant for the BJP, marking its major breakthrough in eastern India and reshaping the state’s political narrative.