BJP to Form First Government in West Bengal on May 9; Vijay Stakes Claim in Tamil Nadu

Following the declaration of assembly election results in five states, the focus has now shifted to government formation. In West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party is set to form the government on May 9, ending the 15-year rule of the All India Trinamool Congress. In Assam, a new government is expected to take office on May 11. Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, C. Joseph Vijay, leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has met the Governor and staked claim to form the government, although his party does not have a majority.

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said the swearing-in ceremony will be held on May 9 at the Brigade Parade Ground. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, and BJP president Nitin Nabin are expected to attend. Shah is also the central observer to elect the leader.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has directed authorities to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence. Two people were killed in violence on May 5 following the announcement of results. Incidents of vandalism were reported at several All India Trinamool Congress offices, while shops were demolished with bulldozers in the New Market area of Kolkata.

Assembly elections were also held in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. In Assam, the Bharatiya Janata Party has returned to power. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma resigned on Wednesday along with his cabinet colleagues to facilitate the formation of a new government. He said the swearing-in ceremony is likely to take place on May 11.

In Tamil Nadu, TVK chief C. Joseph Vijay met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and formally staked claim to form the government. TVK has emerged as the single largest party but remains short of a majority. The Indian National Congress has announced its support to TVK, and Vijay is also seeking backing from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and two Left parties.

Girish Chodankar, in-charge of Tamil Nadu for the All India Congress Committee, said the decision to extend support was taken after a formal request from Vijay. With this move, the over two-decade-long alliance between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Congress in Tamil Nadu has come to an end. The two parties had first joined hands during the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and had largely maintained their alliance since then.