BJP Gains Ground in West Bengal's Riot-Affected Constituencies
From Jangipur To Shyampur: How Bengal’s Riot-Scarred Seats Turned Saffron
News 18
Image: News 18
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved significant victories in West Bengal's Beldanga, Jangipur, and Shyampur constituencies, which have experienced communal violence. This shift suggests that the political landscape is increasingly influenced by polarization and unrest, challenging the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) party's previous dominance.
- 01BJP won all three riot-affected constituencies: Beldanga, Jangipur, and Shyampur.
- 02The TMC's seat count in Murshidabad dropped from 20 to 9, while BJP increased from 2 to 8.
- 03Communal violence has significantly influenced electoral outcomes in West Bengal.
- 04In Shyampur, BJP's Hiranmoy Chattopadhyaya won by a margin of 22,260 votes, a swing of nearly 54,000 from 2021.
- 05The vote share of the TMC declined by over 16% in constituencies with a majority Muslim electorate.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
In the recent assembly elections in West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victories in Beldanga, Jangipur, and Shyampur, all of which have been marred by communal violence. This shift reflects a significant change in the political dynamics of the state, where the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has faced criticism for its handling of violence incidents. In Murshidabad district, the TMC's representation fell from 20 to 9 seats, while the BJP increased its count from 2 to 8. The communal tensions, particularly following incidents like the arson at Durga Puja pandals, have played a crucial role in shaping voter behavior. In Shyampur, BJP's Hiranmoy Chattopadhyaya won by a margin of 22,260 votes, marking a dramatic swing of nearly 54,000 votes from the previous election. The overall vote share for the TMC declined by over 16% in constituencies where Muslims make up more than half of the electorate, indicating a fragmentation of minority votes among various parties, which has further empowered the BJP. This election cycle illustrates a troubling trend of communal polarization in West Bengal's political landscape, contrasting with the TMC's previous positioning against such divisions.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The electoral gains for BJP in riot-affected areas may lead to increased communal tensions and shifts in local governance, impacting community relations and public safety.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you believe communal tensions will continue to influence elections in West Bengal?
Connecting to poll...
More about Bharatiya Janata Party

BJP Poised to Form Government in West Bengal with Suvendu Adhikari as Frontrunner for CM
News 18 • May 8, 2026
West Bengal Assembly Dissolved Amid Political Turmoil Following BJP's Victory
Hindustan Times • May 8, 2026

Uttar Pradesh Shifts Focus from Politics to Development, Says Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
Hindustan Times • May 8, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.


