BJP Retains Assam, Wins West Bengal as Political Map Shifts After State Elections

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has retained control in Assam and Puducherry, and for the first time formed a government in West Bengal, where Suvendu Adhikari is set to become Chief Minister. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has ousted the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, which had governed since 2016.

In Tamil Nadu, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor C. Joseph Vijay, emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats but fell short of a majority. The party has since secured support from the Congress and left parties to form the government.

As of May 2026, the BJP or its NDA allies govern 20 states and two Union Territories—Puducherry and Delhi—up from 16 states and one UT in January 2024. Sikkim is counted under NDA despite no BJP MLAs, as its ruling party is a national alliance partner.

Election commissions in the affected states have formally invited the winning alliances to form governments, with swearing-in ceremonies expected within the week. The Election Commission of India will release the final consolidated results report by May 12.