NEW DELHI, May 4 (AP): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist party on Monday wrested control of the state of West Bengal, an opposition stronghold, in a key election.
The Election Commission of India released partial results showing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won at least 124 seats in the 294-member West Bengal assembly, and was leading in 83 others.
It would be a significant breakthrough for Modi's party, which had tried for years to dislodge the All India Trinamool Congress government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The BJP has never governed West Bengal, a politically influential state, where Banerjee -- one of Modi's most prominent critics -- has held power since 2011.
Opposition parties have sharply criticised the polls in West Bengal after the Election Commission removed millions of voters from electoral rolls.
Three other states also took part in the latest election.
The South Asian country of more than 1.4 billion people has 28 states and eight federal territories. Staggered state elections are held at different times across India, with a few state polls scheduled almost every year.
India's opposition faces a setback
The outcome in West Bengal is expected to boost Modi's standing and strengthen his position midway through his third term in office.
Addressing supporters at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Modi said, "A new chapter has been added to Bengal's destiny."
Film star scores breakthrough win
In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, popular movie star Joseph Vijay, who launched the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party only two years ago, ousted the ruling DMK party.
In Kerala, another southern state, the Indian National Congress-led opposition defeated the ruling communist government, ending leftist rule in one of its last remaining strongholds.
Bangladesh to maintain steady stance on India ties
bdnews24.com adds: Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said Bangladesh's approach to resolving pending bilateral issues with India will remain unchanged, regardless of which party forms the state government in West Bengal.
Her remarks came as early trends in the West Bengal Assembly elections showed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leading in the state bordering Bangladesh.
When asked about rhetoric from some BJP leaders on the "push-back" of minority Muslims labelled as "illegal", the state minister emphasised that diplomatic challenges persist irrespective of political shifts.
"Regardless of who is in power in India, our issues remain. We must deal with them," Shama said.
"Whether it is the BJP or any other party, we have water-sharing issues, the 'push-back' concerns you mentioned, and many others. We must resolve these through discussion with whoever is in government."
Responding to a query about the stance of the government and the BNP on the West Bengal polls, she categorised the election as India's internal matter.
