Big Take Asia Podcast

How India’s Modi Has Become More Powerful Than Ever

A stunning election victory for Narendra Modi’s party shows how he’s consolidating power, even with the economy under pressure.

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

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By Naomi Ng, K Oanh Ha, and Yang Yang

May 12, 2026 at 7:35 PM UTC

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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.