The Bharatiya Janata Party has secured a historic victory in the West Bengal legislative assembly elections, winning or leading in 206 of the 294 seats, according to official results. The Trinamool Congress has been reduced to 81 seats, ending Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's decade-long rule and preventing her from securing a fourth consecutive term.

Swapan Dasgupta, BJP leader and newly elected representative from Rashbehari, described the outcome as a 'great day of liberation' and a rejection of what he called a politics of decline and hopelessness. He said voters had revolted against identity-based politics and sought to redefine West Bengal's political direction, adding that the result reflected a desire for a new beginning.

Dasgupta noted the symbolic significance of his victory in Rashbehari, stating it was the political base of BJP ideologue Syama Prasad Mukherjee and the first time since the 1950s that a saffron party candidate had won there. The BJP's breakthrough follows years of struggling to gain ground in the state, which was previously dominated by the Left and then the Trinamool Congress.

The Election Commission will formally declare the majority mark and notify the governor, who is expected to invite the BJP to form the new government. The swearing-in ceremony for the chief minister and cabinet is anticipated within the coming week.