BJP workers celebrate West Bengal election lead with jhalmuri and kamala bhog
Synopsis
As early trends signalled a BJP lead in West Bengal, party workers took to the streets with jhalmuri, kamala bhog, and chants of Jai Shree Ram — ending what supporters called a 15-year wait. From Kolkata's state headquarters to Howrah's Shibpur, the celebrations carried a pointed message: change, women's safety, and industrial revival for a state they say was run into the ground.
Key Takeaways
BJP workers celebrated across West Bengal on 4 May as early trends pointed to a party victory.
Supporters distributed 'jhalmuri' and 'kamala bhog' outside the BJP state headquarters and at counting centres in Durgapur , Ranaghat South , and Howrah's Shibpur .
Party leader Narayan Chattopadhyay referenced PM Modi's campaign trail jhalmuri stop in Jhargram as a symbolic moment.
Workers cited women's safety, industrial revival, and an end to alleged Trinamool Congress atrocities as key mandates.
Supporter Mithu Ganguly said workers had "waited 15 years " for this result.
Party worker Priyanka Sharma alleged BJP workers were killed in post-poll violence in 2021 , calling the win "a tribute" to them.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers erupted in celebrations across West Bengal on 4 May as early trends pointed toward a BJP victory in the state, with supporters distributing traditional snacks 'jhalmuri' and 'kamala bhog' and dancing to popular Bengali songs outside counting centres and party offices.
Celebrations at State Headquarters
Outside the BJP's West Bengal state headquarters, party leader Narayan Chattopadhyay joined workers in distributing the snacks and addressing the gathering. Speaking to news agency IANS, Chattopadhyay said: "There is an atmosphere of happiness. We will play with saffron gulal. PM Narendra Modi ate the jhalmuri, but it was the Trinamool members who felt the burn." He added: "The Bengal people have blessed us that the BJP will come to power. We will celebrate in a big way, the entire India will stand witness to it."
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a campaign trail stopover for jhalmuri in Jhargram, a moment BJP workers repeatedly referenced during the day's celebrations.
Voices from the Ground
With chants of 'Jai Shree Ram' filling the air at multiple locations, a BJP worker told IANS: "The people of Bengal have won, especially the mothers and sisters. Now, since the BJP has come to power here, we will show how West Bengal needs to be run. PM Modi will form the government here to give safety to our mothers and sisters."
BJP supporter Mithu Ganguly said: "We have waited for 15 years for this day. We will now show how West Bengal moves on the path of development." Supporter Aparna Chakraborty echoed the sentiment, emphasising the party's focus on "safety and security of women."
Industrial Decline and Political Blame
BJP worker Nandlal Yadav directed sharp criticism at both the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) and the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), saying: "What used to be the number one industrial state has been brought to zero by the parties. Now, under PM Modi's leadership, industries will be brought into the state." Another party worker described the results as a reflection of "hatred" against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress, while a BJP supporter said: "Mamata Banerjee has played with the respect of mothers and sisters. Today, Bengal has given its reply."
Celebrations Spread Across West Bengal
Jubilant scenes were reported outside counting centres in Durgapur and Ranaghat South, as well as in Howrah's Shibpur, where women BJP supporters and workers danced to Bengali songs. Party worker Priyanka Sharma said: "The way the public had voted this time, we were confident that our government would be formed in the state. The people had decided to bring a change and bring an end to the atrocities of the Trinamool. Mamata Banerjee's pride has been broken today."
Sharma also alleged that several BJP workers were killed in post-poll violence in 2021 reportedly due to the Trinamool Congress, saying: "Today's win is a tribute to those BJP workers." As trends continued to favour the BJP, supporters across the state pledged a new chapter for West Bengal's governance, development, and women's safety.
Point of View
Signalling the BJP's sustained effort to root itself in Bengali identity beyond the saffron-and-Hindi framing its critics assign it. The repeated emphasis on women's safety and industrial decline reflects the two fault lines the party has pressed most consistently against the Trinamool Congress. Whether a lead translates into a governing majority, and whether the BJP can deliver on the industrial and security promises that animated these celebrations, will be the harder test. West Bengal's political history is littered with triumphalist moments that did not survive the complexity of governance.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are BJP workers celebrating in West Bengal?
BJP workers are celebrating as early election trends on 4 May pointed toward a BJP victory in West Bengal. Supporters distributed jhalmuri and kamala bhog and danced outside counting centres and party offices across the state.
What is the significance of jhalmuri in the BJP celebrations?
Jhalmuri is a popular Bengali street snack whose distribution was a culturally resonant gesture. It also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign trail stop for jhalmuri in Jhargram, which BJP workers cited repeatedly during the celebrations.
What did BJP leader Narayan Chattopadhyay say about the results?
Chattopadhyay said there was 'an atmosphere of happiness' and declared that 'the Bengal people have blessed us that the BJP will come to power,' promising celebrations that 'the entire India will stand witness to.'
Where did BJP celebrations take place in West Bengal?
Celebrations were reported outside the BJP state headquarters in Kolkata, counting centres in Durgapur and Ranaghat South, and in Howrah's Shibpur, among other locations across the state.
What issues did BJP supporters highlight during the celebrations?
Supporters emphasised women's safety and security, industrial revival for West Bengal, and alleged atrocities by the Trinamool Congress, including claims of post-poll violence against BJP workers in 2021.
