The BJP has realised remarkable success in the assembly elections, particularly in the reserved seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) within West Bengal and Assam. The party managed to secure 75 per cent of the SC seats and won all 16 ST seats, indicating a substantial consolidation of votes in these categories. The results, which were announced on May 4, showcase the BJP’s growing influence in regions that had previously been highly competitive.

In this election, the BJP captured 51 out of the 68 SC seats. In stark contrast, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) managed to win only 17. Political analysts have recognised this shift as indicative of a decisive realignment within the electorate, especially among Dalit voters. The BJP’s comprehensive victories in ST constituencies further emphasised its appeal in tribal areas, notably in North Bengal and Junglemahal.

The results signal not only the BJP’s expansion but also the party’s ability to secure backing among traditionally marginalised communities, such as the Matua community, which contributed notably to the party’s performance in the border regions of West Bengal.

Impressive Outcomes in Assam

In Assam, the BJP achieved significant electoral milestones, winning five of the nine SC reserved seats in the state’s 126-member assembly. Overall, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured eight SC seats, with only one seat going to the Congress. The efficiency of the NDA is further illustrated by its success in the ST categories, where the BJP won 13 out of 19 ST reserved seats, consolidating its political foothold in the region.

The current results not only represent a notable consolidation among SC and ST voters but also hint at structural changes influenced by recent delimitation, which increased the number of reserved constituency seats in Assam. This change played a crucial role in amplifying the significance of tribal representation, making the reserved constituencies pivotal for the BJP’s electoral strategy.

The BJP’s alliances, such as with the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), have further amplified its capacity to dominate ST constituencies, marking a strategic expansion for the party in both Upper Assam and the surrounding hilly regions.

Implications for the Political Landscape

The BJP’s success in both West Bengal and Assam reflects a potential shift in the political landscape, wherein SC and ST constituencies now serve as vital strongholds for the ruling alliance. With a decisive win across these segments, the BJP appears well-positioned to govern effectively, having notably weakened the TMC’s representation, reducing it to 80 seats in West Bengal.

This marks the third consecutive electoral victory for the NDA in Assam, enabling the BJP to surpass the majority mark for the first time on its own. Following this success, the NDA has achieved over 100 seats within the assembly’s total of 126, making it a dominant force in the state’s political arena.

In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, NDA affiliates like the AIDMK and All India NR Congress demonstrated robust performances as well, with AIDMK winning nine out of 46 SC reserved seats. These developments contribute to the broader narrative of the BJP’s significant advances in regions where it previously struggled.

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