Modi's party wins opposition stronghold and consolidates power in India
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 11
Modi's party wins opposition stronghold and consolidates power in India
7 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 11
The breakthrough came in West Bengal state elections, a first for the Bharatiya Janata Party in a major opposition bastion.
The result deepens Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dominance after more than a decade in power and weakens the main national opposition he once vowed to eliminate.
It also fits a wider global rise in nationalist populism and raises concerns that India, the world's largest democracy, is drifting toward a de facto one-party state.
After a key parliamentary defeat, can India's democratic guardrails survive Modi's plan for power beyond 2030?
With the main opposition alliance now 'over,' who can realistically challenge the BJP's seemingly unstoppable march across India?
As the BJP pushes south, will the region become its next conquest or the heart of resistance to its national dominance?
India’s Political and Social Crossroads 2026: BJP Dominance, Religious Polarization, and the Energy Transition
Overview
In May 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demonstrated strong political consolidation by winning key state assembly elections, including a historic victory in West Bengal. This success was the result of years of organizational expansion and focused campaigning by senior leaders like Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, who addressed issues such as illegal immigration and economic challenges. The BJP’s strategic efforts allowed it to overcome long-standing regional resistance and opposition leaders, further strengthening its national position. These achievements highlight the party’s ability to build sustained momentum and reshape India’s political landscape.