Strong BJP gains end long TMC rule in Bengal and reinforce power in Assam; absence of Muslim MLAs in ruling benches raises questions
NEW DELHI — Election results in West Bengal and Assam have led to major political changes in eastern India, raising fresh discussions on minority representation, voting behaviour and the direction of democratic politics.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a clear and decisive victory in West Bengal, bringing an end to the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee. The party has also strengthened its position in Assam, where it retained power with a comfortable margin.
In the 294-member West Bengal Assembly, results for 293 seats have been declared, with a repoll ordered in one seat. The BJP has won over 200 seats, a sharp rise from its earlier tally of 77 seats in 2021. The TMC has seen a steep decline, falling from over 210 seats to around 80 to 83. Congress, the Left parties and smaller regional groups have failed to register any major contribution.
Voter turnout remained very high, recorded at around 92 to 93 per cent, showing strong public participation in the electoral process.
One of the most discussed aspects of the results is the absence of Muslim MLAs in the BJP’s winning list. The party did not field any Muslim candidates in this election. In contrast, opposition parties continue to have visible Muslim representation. The TMC has elected around 31 Muslim MLAs, while Congress and other parties have also contributed to the total. Overall, the new assembly is expected to have between 35 and 40 Muslim legislators, which is lower than before but still significant.
Dr Imtiaz Ahmad, a political analyst based in Kolkata, said, “These results show two things at the same time — a strong victory for the BJP and a clear gap when it comes to minority representation in the ruling side.”
Dr Shakeel Akhtar, a political science academic, said, “The BJP focused on strengthening its main support base. This approach worked in the election, but it also raises questions about wider inclusion.”
In several Muslim-influenced districts such as Murshidabad, Malda and parts of North 24 Parganas, a division of votes played an important role. Votes split between the TMC, Congress, Left parties and smaller groups helped the BJP gain an advantage in many constituencies.
Humayun Kabir, a former TMC leader who later formed his own platform, won from two seats. His campaign spoke about issues faced by minorities, including concerns linked to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). However, smaller parties and independent candidates did not achieve large-scale success across the state.
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) also contested several seats but received very limited support. This suggests that Muslim voters mainly stayed with established parties rather than shifting towards new groups.
Dr Tasleem Rahmani, a prominent analyst, said, “Muslim voters in Bengal made careful choices. Most of them preferred larger parties instead of dividing their support further.”
In Assam, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won a clear majority in the 126-seat assembly. Changes in constituency boundaries after delimitation largely affected the results, with reports suggesting a reduction in Muslim-majority seats.
Congress has emerged as the main opposition party in Assam with 19 seats, out of which 18 are held by Muslim MLAs. The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), led by Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, has been reduced to just two seats.
A regional leader, Rakibul Hussain, said, “The opposition benches show how voting patterns are changing and how political strategies are being shaped.”
The results have brought renewed focus on representation in democratic institutions. Opposition leaders argue that the lack of Muslim MLAs in the BJP’s large group in West Bengal raises concerns about adequate voice and trust.
Congress spokesperson Dr Shama Mohamed said, “Representation matters. It builds confidence and ensures different voices are heard in policy decisions.”
BJP leaders, however, maintain that governance should not be based on religion. Jamal Siddiqui, a BJP leader, said, “Our policies are for every citizen. We work for development without seeing people through a religious identity.”
Experts say representation is one part of a larger issue. Sections of the Muslim community still face challenges in education, employment and access to opportunities, as highlighted in earlier studies such as the Sachar Committee report.
Community leader Abdullah Salman said, “We need meaningful participation. The focus should be on education, economic growth and working with all political parties.”
Social activist Syed Zeheen Rizvi said, “What matters most is how policies affect daily life — jobs, safety, education and welfare.”
West Bengal and Assam have a shared history of cultural coexistence, often described as the “Ganga-Jamni” tradition. However, political debates in recent years have increasingly focused on identity, migration, border issues and development.
Dr Rahmani said, “These elections show bigger changes in society and politics. Voters, especially the youth, are now focusing more on jobs and governance.”
The 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam mark an important moment in the region’s politics. While the BJP’s victories show strong voter support, the presence of Muslim representation in opposition parties highlights the continued role of the community in the political process.
Observer Shibli Arsalan said, “Elections come and go, but the real test is how governments respond to the needs of all people.”
The full impact of these results will become clearer in the coming months as new governments take charge and political parties adjust their strategies.
