The 2026 West Bengal election has witnessed a sharp call for change, with the broader trend suggesting a comprehensive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party, which looks set to dethrone Mamata Banerjee after a 15 year rule.
This comes on the back of a historic 92% voter turnout, albeit coming off a low base. And while there is still a long way to go before the counting gets done, we will take a look at three key winners and losers from the West Bengal election, as of counting results by noon.
The Big Winners
1. Mamata Banerjee (Bhabanipur): In what has been the most-watched contest of the morning, the Chief Minister has reclaimed a narrow lead after three rounds of counting.
As of noon, Banerjee is leading by over 8,400 votes, pulling ahead of her nearest rival after trailing in the second round. However, the lead could still turn or at least narrow as counting progresses.
2. Agnimitra Paul (Asansol Dakshin): The BJP leader has maintained a steady lead in the industrial belt of Asansol. Early rounds show Paul ahead by a margin of over 14,000 votes, signaling a strong performance for the saffron party in the state's western districts.
3. RG Kar Victim's Mother (Panihati): In a result carrying heavy emotional and political weight, Ratna Debnath, the BJP candidate from Panihati—mother of the RG Kar hospital victim—is currently leading in the early rounds. She is leading by 2,700+ votes.
The Big Losers
1. Siddiqullah Chowdhury (Monteswar): The senior TMC leader and state minister is currently trailing Saikat Panja of the BJP by a margin of over 7,000 votes, marking a potential upset in the East Burdwan belt.
2. Bikashranjan Bhattacharya (Jadavpur): The veteran CPM leader is currently trailing, as the Left Front struggles to translate its high-decibel campaign into seats.
3. Mongal Saren (Jhargram): In the tribal heartland of Jhargram, the TMC candidate is currently trailing the BJP's Lakshmi Kanta Sau by over 14,000, indicating a shift in the Junglemahal narrative.
ALSO READ:
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.