04 May,2026 04:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Eknath Shinde said a BJP-led government would focus on the all-round development of West Bengal. File Pic
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has described the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) performance in West Bengal as "historic", saying the result reflects a strong public mandate for change.
In a post on X, Shinde congratulated party workers and leaders following the outcome.
Shinde credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the party's success.
He said the BJP had, for the first time, made a significant breakthrough in West Bengal, adding that Shah's sustained efforts over the past decade had helped weaken the ruling establishment in the state.
The Deputy Chief Minister also criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of corruption and misgovernance.
He said voters in the state had responded to these issues by supporting the BJP, and described the result as a rejection of what he termed "thuggery and corruption".
According to Shinde, the electorate in West Bengal has chosen development, progress, stability and peace through its vote.
He added that the outcome represents a strengthening of democratic values in the state.
Shinde also noted that the victory comes in the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
He described the result as significant, particularly in the state associated with Syama Prasad Mukherjee, a key figure in the BJP's ideological history.
Shinde praised BJP workers for their efforts during the campaign, saying they had worked with determination despite challenges.
He also criticised the tone of the election campaign, alleging that the BJP leadership had faced personal attacks, which voters ultimately rejected.
Looking ahead, Shinde said a BJP-led government would focus on the all-round development of West Bengal.
He expressed confidence that a "double-engine government" would accelerate growth and bring rapid development to the state.
The BJP crossed the majority mark in the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, effectively ending Mamata Banerjee's 15-year reign.
In early trends, the BJP surged ahead in 198 seats, leaving the Trinamool Congress (TMC) struggling to cross the 100-seat threshold, a stunning reversal for the party that dominated the state with 213 seats just five years ago.
