Kolkata: BJP supporters began celebrating across parts of West Bengal on Monday as early counting trends showed the party ahead, signalling a potential shift in a state long dominated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress. As counting progressed steadily through the morning, the BJP appeared within reach of the halfway mark of 148 seats in the 294-member Assembly, raising the prospect of a major political upheaval. The ruling TMC, meanwhile, worked to narrow the margin in what is shaping up to be one of the state’s most fiercely fought electoral contests in recent years.

Early figures pointed towards a fragmented mandate, with the BJP making notable gains in border districts, tribal belts and industrial zones. The TMC continued to hold its ground in parts of Kolkata and pockets of rural Bengal, where its organisational strength has traditionally been strong. 

Vote counting remains under way, and final outcomes are yet to be determined.