BJP's West Bengal win opens path to Teesta water deal with Bangladesh

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a landslide victory in the West Bengal state assembly, ending the Trinamool Congress’s rule and prompting a shift in the region’s political tone. Observers note a cautious atmosphere on the streets of Kolkata and surrounding districts, contrasting with the celebratory scenes seen after previous regime changes.

With the removal of Mamata Banerjee’s administration, which had blocked a water‑sharing agreement, Bangladesh is hopeful that India can now finalise a treaty on the Teesta River. The river is vital for irrigation and drinking water in northern West Bengal and Bangladesh’s Rangpur division. At the same time, Bangladeshi officials express anxiety that the new BJP‑led government may intensify anti‑migrant drives along the shared border.