BJP wins West Bengal: Norwegian diplomat urges West to respect Indian democracy
Synopsis
A Norwegian diplomat has told the West to stop framing Modi as a threat to democracy — pointing to BJP's historic Bengal win, a 90%+ turnout, and a string of state victories since 2024 as evidence that Indian democracy is among the world's most robust.
Key Takeaways
BJP has won West Bengal for the first time since Independence, ending Mamata Banerjee 's 15-year hold on power.
Norwegian diplomat Erik Solheim called on the West to appreciate Indian democracy's strength on 6 May .
Voter turnout in West Bengal was reportedly over 90% , far exceeding typical European and American participation rates.
US President Donald Trump congratulated PM Narendra Modi on a "historic, and decisive election victory" via White House spokesperson Kush Desai .
Since the 2024 Parliament elections , BJP has won state polls in Odisha, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, Assam , and now West Bengal .
Norwegian diplomat and former Minister of Climate and Environment of Norway Erik Solheim has called on Western nations to appreciate the strength of Indian democracy, following the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s historic first-ever win in West Bengal since Independence. Solheim made the remarks on social media platform X on 6 May, as global reactions poured in to the landmark state election result.
Solheim's Message to the West
Posting on X, Solheim wrote:
Point of View
Or whether institutional checks, press freedom, and minority protections deserve equal weight in that assessment.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Has BJP ever won West Bengal before?
No, the BJP's latest victory marks the first time the party has taken control of West Bengal since India's Independence. The state was long dominated by the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had held power for 15 years.
What did Norwegian diplomat Erik Solheim say about India's democracy?
Solheim posted on X that it is "time the West appreciates the strength of Indian democracy," arguing that India is not only the world's largest democracy in size but also one of the most solid in content. He said Western media often misrepresents Prime Minister Modi as a threat to democracy, calling that portrayal the opposite of reality.
How did US President Trump react to the West Bengal election result?
US President Donald Trump congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on what the White House described as a "historic, and decisive election victory" in West Bengal. White House spokesperson Kush Desai conveyed the message to IANS.
What was the voter turnout in the West Bengal elections?
Voter turnout was reportedly over 90%, which Solheim noted is far above normal participation rates in European and American elections. West Bengal has a population of approximately 106 million, larger than any single nation in the European Union.
Which states has BJP won since the 2024 Parliament elections?
According to Solheim's post, BJP has won state elections in Odisha, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, Assam, and now West Bengal since its below-expectations performance in the 2024 general elections.
