A stunning election victory for Narendra Modi’s party shows how he’s consolidating power, even with the economy under pressure.
Politics Big Take Asia Podcast Facebook X LinkedIn Email Link Gift Expand Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, greets Chief Minister of West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari and senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party during the swearing-in ceremony in Kolkata, India on May 9.
Photographer: Debajyoti Chakraborty/NurPhoto/Getty Images Facebook X LinkedIn Email Link Gift Gift this article Contact us: Provide news feedback or report an error Confidential tip?
Send a tip to our reporters Site feedback: Take our Survey New Window Facebook X LinkedIn Email Link Gift By Naomi Ng , K Oanh Ha , and Yang Yang May 12, 2026 at 7:35 PM UTC Bookmark Save Never miss an episode. Follow The Big Take Asia podcast today.
Despite India facing economic headwinds, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party defied expectations with a stunning state election sweep — capped by a historic win in opposition stronghold West Bengal.
