Firecrackers Burst Across Five States: BJP Clinches Three, Secures Historic Fortress in Bengal as TMC Era Ends in Dramatic Fashion
May 4, 2026: As counting concluded for assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, firecrackers lit up skies from Guwahati to Kolkata and beyond in the evening. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its NDA allies emerged victorious in three of the five contests, delivering a seismic political shift – most notably in West Bengal, where the saffron party stormed to power for the first time in the state’s history, shattering the Trinamool Congress (TMC)’s long-held “fortress.”
The day was marked by high drama, fierce rivalries, and scattered unrest. In West Bengal, the battle reached fever pitch, drawing chief ministers and top leaders from across the country into what many described as one of the most fiesty and bitterly contested campaigns in recent memory. Early trends showed the BJP surging past the 148-seat majority mark with over 200 seats in the 294-member assembly, while the TMC was reduced to around 80. Assam saw the NDA secure a third straight term, Puducherry backed the NDA, Kerala tilted towards the UDF (Congress-led), and Tamil Nadu witnessed a strong showing by actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), reshaping the Dravidian landscape.
Bengal’s Historic Verdict: From TMC Stronghold to BJP Breakthrough
West Bengal’s result stands out as the biggest upset. For decades, the state resisted BJP’s national dominance. Today, the party not only crossed the halfway mark but dismantled the TMC’s 15-year grip on power. Analysts point to record 92.9% turnout, widespread anti-incumbency over governance issues, and a highly charged campaign that saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and chief ministers from BJP-ruled states descend on Bengal in a show of strength. The BJP’s slogan “Bhoy out, Bharosa in” appeared to resonate deeply against TMC’s “Maa, Maati, Manush.”
The drama unfolded live at counting centres. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the Shekhawat Memorial School in Kolkata to oversee proceedings, her presence underscoring the high stakes. By evening, tensions peaked in Nandigram – the symbolic battleground where Banerjee herself had once fought fiercely. At around 6 pm, counting was halted amid complaints; Banerjee alleged irregularities, demanding that polling agents’ cards be reissued and accusing the Election Commission of selective or slow counting. BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari maintained a clear lead over TMC’s Pabitra Kar in the seat.
Unrest was not limited to rhetoric. Reports emerged of a fire at the TMC office in Asansol (Jamuria area), where the party office was reportedly vandalised and set ablaze amid clashes as BJP candidates like Agnimitra Paul secured decisive wins in nearby constituencies such as Asansol Dakshin. Violence also flared near some counting centres, reflecting the bitterly contested nature of the polls.
The Other Four States: A Mixed Bag Reinforces National Trends
Assam: The NDA comfortably retained power for a third consecutive term, with BJP and allies leading in over 99 of 126 seats. Celebrations erupted at the party headquarters in Guwahati, complete with traditional naam kirtan and sweets. Firecrackers echoed here too, underscoring continuity in the Northeast.
Puducherry: The NDA secured a majority, adding to BJP’s tally of three wins.
Kerala: The UDF (Congress-led) staged a strong comeback after ten years, leading in most seats and ending the LDF’s tenure.
Tamil Nadu: TVK, the new star party, made significant inroads, with Tamil Nadu choosing actors over politicians! Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s new party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has created a major political shift, emerging as the single largest party in the 2026 Assembly elections, disrupting the long-standing DMK-AIADMK dominance.
Analytical Take: What Does This Mean?
This verdict carries profound national implications. For the BJP, the conquest of Bengal marks its deepest eastward penetration yet – transforming a state once seen as impenetrable into a new stronghold. It neutralises a key opposition bastion ahead of future national contests and validates the party’s strategy of aggressive campaigning and development-focused messaging. The retention in Assam and Puducherry further consolidates its hold in the East and South.
For the TMC, the rout signals a clear rejection after 15 years. Mamata Banerjee’s personal battles, including the Nandigram standoff and allegations of irregularities, highlight the challenges of incumbency in an era of high voter awareness. The fiery campaign, marked by cross-state leader interventions, also exposed deep national polarisation.
Broader trends include:
Voter fatigue with incumbents in states like West Bengal and Kerala.
Rise of new players like TVK in Tamil Nadu, suggesting evolving regional dynamics.
High turnout as a game-changer, reflecting public desire for change.
As night falls on May 4, firecrackers continue to punctuate the air in BJP circles, while opposition parties regroup. The 2026 assembly results have redrawn India’s political map, with Bengal’s fortress now flying the saffron flag for the first time in history. The real test, however, will be governance in the days ahead.
