Counting of votes in West Bengal has shown the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) taking a strong lead, triggering sharp political reactions from opposition parties in neighbouring Odisha. While the BJP hailed the trends as a rejection of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), leaders from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress accused the saffron party of misusing central agencies to influence electoral outcomes.
According to Election Commission data cited till 5 pm, the BJP had won 11 seats and was leading in 186 constituencies. The TMC had secured two wins and was ahead in 88 seats, indicating a closely watched but shifting political contest in the state.
“BJP Captures States, Doesn’t Win Votes”: Opposition Attack
Reacting to the early trends, Odisha opposition leaders alleged that the BJP does not rely solely on voter support but instead uses institutional power to expand its influence.
A senior BJD leader, Mallik, alleged that the BJP “captures states using the Election Commission, ED, CBI and other agencies.” He said, “They are winning elections by hook or by crook. There is no magic behind the elections in West Bengal and Assam.”
He also questioned the nationwide campaigning by top BJP leaders, asking, “If there is no pressure or manipulation, why do chief ministers, union ministers and leaders from across the country campaign so heavily in West Bengal?”
Mallik further said the BJP’s rise in West Bengal would not weaken regional parties in eastern India, adding, “Has TMC been finished? Mamata is still fighting.”
Congress Alleges “Poll Manipulation” and Misuse of Welfare Schemes
Odisha Congress president Bhakta Charan Das also alleged irregularities, claiming that the BJP had an “election management system” that influenced results beyond voter choice.
He said, “BJP’s election management has a big role. They violate rules. How could Parliament sessions be held during the election process in Bengal? It influences voters.”
Das also referred to alleged financial incentives, saying, “In Bihar elections, ₹10,000 was transferred to voters’ accounts. This goes against election norms.”
He further alleged that the Election Commission failed to act in a neutral manner, stating, “This election could be the victory of the Election Commission itself.”
BJP Hails “Mandate”, Links Result to Cultural Sentiment
The BJP strongly rejected the allegations and described the trends as a public endorsement of its leadership and policies.
Senior BJP leaders in Odisha claimed the results reflected voter anger against the TMC government. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said Mamata Banerjee had been “taught a lesson” by voters, linking the outcome to controversy over religious sentiment in the state.
She said, “Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath does not tolerate arrogance. This has been proven in the West Bengal elections.” She also referred to Mamata Banerjee’s criticism over naming a temple in Digha as a “Dham,” claiming it had hurt public sentiment.
Another minister said the results showed voters had rejected the idea of “Sonar Bangla” under TMC rule, while praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Sharp Political Divide as Counting Continues
As counting progressed, West Bengal remained the most closely watched state, with a direct contest between the BJP and TMC shaping national political narratives.
While the BJP projected the trends as a decisive mandate, opposition parties continued to question the role of central agencies, governance decisions, and the fairness of electoral processes. The Election Commission has not responded to the specific allegations raised by opposition leaders.
