Kolkata, Apr 29: Exit polls released on Wednesday have projected a historic shift in West Bengal’s political landscape, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) likely to secure a majority in the 294-member Assembly for the first time. The projections suggest that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, may lose its stronghold, paving the way for BJP to form a government on its own.

According to P-MARQ’s exit poll, BJP is expected to win between 150 and 175 seats, while TMC could secure 118 to 138 seats. Congress and the Left are projected to fare poorly, with little or no representation. Matrize exit polls also favor BJP, predicting 146 to 161 seats for the party, while TMC is expected to win 125 to 140 seats. Similarly, Chanakya Strategy exit polls place BJP at 150 to 160 seats, with TMC at 130 to 140.

#BreakingNews I Poll of Polls suggests #BJP likely to emerge as the clear winner in #WestBengal.

West Bengal Assembly: Seats- 294 I Majority -148

Poll of Polls
BJP: 166
TMC: 121
OTH: 7#WestBengalElections2026 #PollOfPolls pic.twitter.com/5vORc7WgPb

— Argus News (@ArgusNews_in) April 29, 2026

However, not all projections are unanimous. Peoples Pulse exit poll suggests TMC could retain power, projecting 178 to 189 seats for the ruling party, while BJP may secure 95 to 110 seats. Congress is expected to win 1 to 3 seats, and the Left may manage a single seat.

The exit polls highlight a bipolar contest between BJP and TMC, with Congress and Left continuing to struggle in the state. Analysts note that if the majority projections hold true, it would mark a significant political breakthrough for BJP in West Bengal, traditionally dominated by TMC.

Voter turnout has been exceptionally high in this election. The first phase recorded 93.19% polling, while the second phase saw 89.99% turnout by 5 PM, reflecting strong public engagement in the electoral process.

While exit polls provide an early indication of trends, the final outcome will only be known when votes are counted. The Election Commission of India has scheduled the announcement of results for May 4, alongside those for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Assam.

Until then, the projections remain speculative, but they underscore the possibility of a dramatic political shift in West Bengal, with BJP potentially breaking into TMC’s bastion.