BJP to form govts in Bengal, Assam, says Dharmendra Pradhan
Synopsis
With Assembly election results across five states just days away, BJP's Dharmendra Pradhan is projecting a clean sweep in West Bengal and Assam, while Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge is hedging — acknowledging TMC's likely lead in Bengal and hinting at a possible post-result alliance. The contrasting claims reveal just how high the electoral stakes are.
Key Takeaways
Dharmendra Pradhan predicted the BJP will form governments in West Bengal and Assam , speaking in Bengaluru on Thursday .
Pradhan said the NDA will form the government in Puducherry and that developments in Tamil Nadu would be favourable.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said a clear picture of results would emerge in two days and backed Congress-led alliance prospects in Tamil Nadu and Kerala .
Kharge indicated the TMC is likely to lead in West Bengal and said Congress may consider extending support to TMC post-results.
Pradhan expressed shock over the compound wall collapse at Bowring Hospital, Shivajinagar , following heavy rain on Wednesday evening .
Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will form governments in West Bengal and Assam, speaking to media persons in Bengaluru. He also predicted favourable outcomes for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Puducherry and a growing BJP presence in Kerala.
Pradhan's Predictions Across States
Pradhan asserted that people in West Bengal have placed their trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that a nationalist government would be formed in the state this time. On Assam, he said the people are likely to give the BJP an opportunity to serve for a third consecutive term. He further stated that the NDA will form the government in Puducherry, while developments in Tamil Nadu would be favourable and the BJP is expected to emerge as a major force in Kerala.
Pradhan on Bengaluru Wall Collapse Tragedy
Responding to a question on the recent wall collapse tragedy in Bengaluru, Pradhan said he was deeply shocked to learn about the deaths caused by the collapse of a compound wall at Bowring Hospital in Shivajinagar following heavy rain on Wednesday evening. He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased. This comes amid heightened public scrutiny over urban infrastructure safety in the city.
Kharge Flags Confusion, Backs Alliance Prospects
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, said a clearer picture of Assembly election results across five states would emerge in the next two days. He expressed confidence about his party's prospects, stating that the Congress-led alliance is expected to perform well in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. On Assam, Kharge acknowledged that exit polls have predicted fewer seats for the party but expressed confidence that Congress would win more seats than projected.
TMC Likely to Lead in Bengal, Says Kharge
In West Bengal, Kharge said there are indications that the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) is likely to take the lead. He alleged that the NDA has tried to aggressively challenge the TMC in the state. He also noted that Congress is contesting independently in West Bengal for the first time. "Both sides are claiming victory — the BJP says it will win, and the TMC says it will win. Let us wait for two more days; a clear picture will emerge after the results," Kharge said. He added that the party would consider extending support to the TMC in West Bengal after the final results are announced.
What to Watch Next
With results expected within two days, the political fate of West Bengal, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala hangs in the balance. The outcome will be a key indicator of both the BJP's national momentum and the Congress's ability to rebuild its state-level footprint ahead of future electoral cycles.
Point of View
Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala — read more like a pre-result confidence offensive than a grounded electoral assessment. Notably, Kharge's measured response tells a different story: by acknowledging the TMC's likely lead in Bengal and floating the idea of post-result support, Congress is already preparing for a coalition arithmetic play rather than a outright win. The real question is whether the BJP's aggressive push in West Bengal has genuinely shifted ground against the entrenched TMC machinery, or whether it is electoral noise ahead of results. The first-time independent contest by Congress in West Bengal adds a wildcard that both sides are carefully watching.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Dharmendra Pradhan say about West Bengal and Assam elections?
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed confidence that the BJP will form governments in both West Bengal and Assam, stating that people in Bengal have placed trust in PM Modi and that Assam may give BJP a third consecutive term.
What did Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge say about the election results?
Kharge said a clearer picture of results across five states would emerge in two days. He backed Congress-led alliance prospects in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, acknowledged TMC's likely lead in West Bengal, and said Congress would consider extending support to TMC after final results.
Why is Congress contesting independently in West Bengal this time?
According to Kharge, Congress is contesting independently in West Bengal for the first time, marking a shift from its earlier alliance strategy in the state. He did not elaborate on the reasons but indicated openness to supporting TMC post-results.
What happened at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru?
A compound wall collapsed at Bowring Hospital in Shivajinagar, Bengaluru, following heavy rain on Wednesday evening, resulting in deaths. Pradhan expressed shock and condolences to the families of the deceased.
Which five states are currently holding Assembly elections?
The Assembly elections are being held across five states including West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, with results expected within two days of the statements made on Thursday.
