From The Editor’s Desk: While Bengal witnessed a massive Hindu consolidation in 2026 polls, Muslim votes were split in key areas between TMC, Congress, CPM-AISF and Humayun Kabir’s AJUP.

In 2021, 41 out of 42 Muslim MLAs were from TMC. The number declined to 32 out of 38 in 2026. Congress (2), CPM (1), AISF (1) and Kabir (2) were the other Muslim Candidates who won.

Interestingly, split in the minority votes impacted TMC even in Muslim dominated areas. The trust earned by the TMC over the years, eroded this time. On the other hand, Hindu consolidation worked wonders. So, Hindu candidates of BJP managed to win in highly Muslim populated areas too.

And, let’s not forget the impact of SIR (exclusion of 27 lakh voters whose appeals are pending with tribunals) and huge anti-incumbency against Mamata Banerjee Government’s despotism and corruption, played a key role in Muslim areas too.

BJP won Bengal with 207 seats. TMC finished at 80, but Mamata could not win her own seat. The Bengal results have widened the Hindu-Muslim divide further. The hatred could be intense in the coming days. But, peace should prevail and pace of development must be expedited.