Five states, three new governments: how the 2026 Assembly elections reshaped the map
BJP won West Bengal for the first time, TVK swept to power in Tamil Nadu and Congress returned in Kerala.
The Assembly elections held in April 2026 delivered some of the most dramatic results in recent memory. Counting took place on May 4.
- West Bengal: The BJP ended the Trinamool Congress's long run in power. Suvendu Adhikari became Chief Minister, replacing Mamata Banerjee.
- Tamil Nadu: Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam unseated the DMK, and Vijay replaced M. K. Stalin as Chief Minister.
- Kerala: The Congress-led front returned to power, with V. D. Satheesan taking over from Pinarayi Vijayan.
- Assam: The BJP retained the state, with Himanta Biswa Sarma continuing as Chief Minister.
- Puducherry: The All India N.R. Congress retained power under N. Rangaswamy.
Political analysts say the results show voters were willing to reward fresh faces and punish long-serving governments, while regional identity remained a powerful force in the south.
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