Story perspectives

BJP Sweeps West Bengal, Adhikari Sworn, Voter Purge Sparks Violence

5/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The BJP won 207 of 294 seats in West Bengal, ending the TMC’s 15-year rule.
Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as chief minister.
The Election Commission removed about 9 million voter names (12 % of rolls), while opposition said the purge targeted poor and Muslim voters.
Post-election violence, including arson and the shooting of Adhikari’s personal assistant, raised concerns and led analysts to expect the new administration to align with infrastructure policies.

History

Historical Context

The 1998 Indian general election, called after I.K. Gujral’s coalition fell when Congress withdrew support in November 1997, produced a hung Lok Sabha: the Bharatiya Janata Party won 182 of 543 seats with 61.97% turnout, but no party held a majority. BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee formed a coalition government that collapsed in April 1999, showing how fragmented wins can swiftly alter national power.

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Story summary

The BJP won 207 of 294 seats in West Bengal, ending the TMC’s 15-year rule.
Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as chief minister.
The Election Commission removed about 9 million voter names (12 % of rolls), while opposition said the purge targeted poor and Muslim voters.
Post-election violence, including arson and the shooting of Adhikari’s personal assistant, raised concerns and led analysts to expect the new administration to align with infrastructure policies.

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