Modi's Party Wins West Bengal State Elections First Time
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party has won state elections in West Bengal, India. The party is called the BJP.
This is the first time the BJP will govern West Bengal. The win removed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from power after 15 years.
The BJP crossed the 148-seat majority needed to win. They are heading toward around 200 or more seats out of 294.
West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of about 92.93%. That is the highest ever in the state.
The result is a big political shift. West Bengal had long been led by parties that oppose Modi.
The win comes two years after the BJP failed to win a national election majority. That was the first time Modi's party had failed since he took office.
Klear Note — West Bengal is India's third-largest state by population. The BJP is Prime Minister Modi's political party. State elections determine who governs each Indian state.
Key Terms 4
- BJP India's ruling party led by Prime Minister Modi
- Chief Minister The elected leader of an Indian state
- Voter turnout The share of eligible voters who actually voted
- Majority threshold The minimum seats needed to take control and govern