The Bharatiya Janata Party is moving to form the next government in West Bengal following its victory in the assembly elections. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata on May 7 to oversee the selection of the legislature party leader. Incumbent Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has refused to resign and plans to challenge the results in court.
The BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, while the Trinamool Congress won 80 seats. Results were declared on May 4, 2026. The West Bengal Assembly stood dissolved at midnight on May 6 under Article 172 of the Constitution. The outgoing council of ministers continues in a caretaker role until a new government is sworn in.
State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal submitted the gazette notification of results to Governor R N Ravi. BJP sources indicated that party MLAs will elect their leader after Amit Shah reaches Kolkata. The swearing-in ceremony is expected on Saturday.
Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP and Election Commission of manipulating electronic voting machines. She told newly elected TMC MLAs that the party would approach the Supreme Court. Three people have been killed in post-poll violence since the results, including an aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who is considered a frontrunner for chief minister. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has directed officials to ensure zero tolerance for violence.
