NEW DELHI: In the Rampurhat assembly constituency of West Bengal's Birbhum district, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Dhruba Saha achieved a commanding victory in the 2026 state assembly elections. Saha polled 1,11,920 votes, defeating the sitting MLA and Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Asish Banerjee by a margin of 24,233 votes.
Dominant Performance by Saha
Throughout the counting process, Saha maintained a strong lead, reflecting a clear advantage in the constituency. Banerjee, who sought a sixth consecutive term, garnered 87,687 votes but finished a distant second. The result marks a significant shift in a constituency that has been under TMC's control for several consecutive elections.
Background of Rampurhat Constituency
Rampurhat is one of the seven Assembly segments under the Birbhum Lok Sabha constituency. Asish Banerjee of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) had held the seat since 2011, winning in 2011, 2016, and 2021. In the 2021 assembly election, Banerjee secured 47.53% of the total votes, followed by BJP's Subhasis Choudhury with 43.63%.
However, in the 2026 polls, the BJP fielded Dhruba Saha, who managed to overturn the TMC's stronghold. The election history shows that Rampurhat had remained under AITC's control for multiple terms, reflecting consistent voter support for the party. This victory underscores the BJP's growing influence in West Bengal.
Election Context and Trends
The 2026 West Bengal assembly elections witnessed intense competition between the TMC and BJP across the state. While Mamata Banerjee's TMC faced challenges in several constituencies, the BJP made significant gains, particularly in Birbhum district. The Rampurhat result is part of a broader trend where the BJP has emerged as a formidable force, potentially ousting the TMC in some regions.
Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, Vijay's TVK party emerged as a strong contender, pushing traditional parties DMK and AIADMK to the margins. The BJP also retained Assam, indicating its sustained strength in the Northeast.
Detailed Vote Count
- Dhruba Saha (BJP): 1,11,920 votes
- Asish Banerjee (TMC): 87,687 votes
- Margin of Victory: 24,233 votes
The counting process saw Saha leading from the early rounds, and he never relinquished his advantage. Banerjee's campaign, despite his incumbency and experience, could not counter the anti-incumbency wave and the BJP's aggressive outreach.
Implications for West Bengal Politics
This victory is a major boost for the BJP in West Bengal, as it breaks the TMC's long-standing hold on Rampurhat. Political analysts suggest that the BJP's focus on local issues, development, and organizational strength paid off. For the TMC, the loss is a setback, especially in a constituency where Banerjee had been a dominant figure.
As the election results continue to unfold, all eyes are on the overall tally in West Bengal. The BJP's performance in Rampurhat could signal a broader shift in voter sentiment, potentially reshaping the political landscape in the state.
Stay tuned for more updates on the 2026 assembly elections, including live results, constituency-wise analysis, and party-wise trends from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry.
