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BJP Sweeps Scheduled Caste, Tribal Belts In Bengal, Assam
The BJP and its allies achieved a sweeping victory in reserved SC and ST seats in West Bengal and Assam, with significant gains in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The results indicate a major shift in eastern India as the party consolidates its social coalition across Matua, Dalit and tribal communities.
Why It Matters
The results signal a notable expansion of BJP's electoral reach in eastern India, particularly through reserved-seat contests that previously favored regional and left parties. They suggest a shifting political terrain and potential long-term alliances and governance implications.
Timeline
3 Events
Tamil Nadu and Puducherry results for NDA allies
May 7, 2026
In Tamil Nadu, NDA ally AIADMK won nine of the state's 46 Scheduled Caste reserved seats and one of the two Scheduled Tribe constituencies. In Puducherry, NDA ally AINRC won two of the five SC reserved seats.
Assam: NDA dominates SC and ST reserved seats
May 7, 2026
In Assam, the NDA achieved near-total dominance in reserved seats. For Scheduled Castes, BJP won five of nine seats, while alliance partner AGP secured three and Congress retained one. In Scheduled Tribes, the NDA won all 19 reserved seats: BJP 13, with allied BPF and AGP taking the remaining seats. Delimitation increased ST reserved seats from 16 to 19 and SC reserved seats from eight to nine. In Bodoland and Upper Assam, allies BPF and AGP were credited with consolidating indigenous and tribal votes, helping the NDA shut out the opposition from tribal constituencies.
West Bengal: BJP sweeps all 16 ST seats and wins 51 of 68 SC seats
May 7, 2026
According to data accessed by NDTV, the BJP and its allies won all 16 Scheduled Tribe reserved seats in West Bengal and 51 of the state's 68 Scheduled Caste reserved seats, reducing Trinamool Congress to 17 SC-reserved seats. Overall, the BJP captured 67 of Bengal's 84 SC and ST reserved seats. Party leaders attributed the result to the consolidation among Matua voters, Dalit communities and tribal groups across North Bengal, Jangalmahal and border districts, turning previously difficult constituencies into major contributors to the party's performance in the state.