In the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a remarkable victory, winning 206 out of 294 seats and ending the Trinamool Congress's (TMC) 15-year rule. This significant shift in political power reflects a broader change in a state historically dominated by Left politics. The roots of this transformation can be traced back to 1991, when acclaimed actor Victor Banerjee entered politics as a BJP candidate in the Calcutta North West Lok Sabha constituency. Despite facing formidable opponents from the Congress and Janata Dal, Banerjee garnered 21.08% of the vote share, polling 89,155 votes and finishing third. His campaign, although unsuccessful, was crucial in establishing the BJP's presence in West Bengal, showcasing its potential to attract recognizable local figures. Banerjee's candidacy marked the beginning of the BJP's long journey in the state, which would eventually lead to its first Lok Sabha victory in 1998 and culminate in the sweeping success of 2026. This electoral outcome signals a dramatic realignment of political loyalties in West Bengal, highlighting the significance of Banerjee's early campaign as a foundational moment in the BJP's evolving narrative.