Three new governments-0ne common challenge: Can they walk the talk?

The just concluded formation of new governments in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Keralam embody three distinct political stories: a national party’s breakthrough, a film star’s insurgent rise, and a traditional party’s return to office. Their campaign promises generated hope and, in some cases, euphoria. Governing, however, demands more than slogans and symbolism. Will they be able to walk the talk?

Each victory generated hope, and in some quarters, euphoria. But elections are won with promises; governments are judged by delivery. The question now is simple: can these new administrations walk the talk? Despite their ideological differences, all three face the same reality. Public expectations are immediate. Fiscal constraints are severe. Administrative systems are slow to change. The honeymoon period will be brief.

West Bengal: BJP’s historic breakthrough:

The BJP’s victory in West Bengal marks a turning point in a state dominated for decades by left parties followed by TMC, led by Mamata Banerjee. Campaigning under the banner of “Sonar Bangla,” the party promised to restore law and order, end political violence, eradicate corruption, attract investment and ensure transparent welfare delivery.

The question is will the BJP government, headed by Suvendu Adhikari, mark a historic political shift after decades of dominance by regional parties. The party campaigned on a platform of “Sonar Bangla” and promised to restore law and order, end political violence, tackle corruption, improve industrial investment, and streamline welfare delivery while Mamata Banerjee refused to accept the people’s verdict. She still claims that the saffron party won because of vote chori.

The Adhikari government has moved swiftly to signal change. Among its early decisions are the rollout of Ayushman Bharat, approval of investigations into recruitment scams, a five-year relaxation in the age limit for government jobs, clearance for border fencing along Bangladesh, mandatory singing of Vande Mataram in schools, stricter action against illegal cattle trade, and tighter enforcement of public order regulations.

These decisions matter because they directly address the BJP’s core campaign themes: anti-corruption, governance reform, national security and cultural assertion.

Yet the real challenges are formidable. Much of the state bureaucracy has functioned for years under a different political culture. Reorienting the administrative machinery will take time. West Bengal also carries a heavy debt burden, limiting the government’s ability to fund ambitious schemes.

Job creation, a central promise, depends on attracting private investment. Investors will seek policy stability, improved infrastructure and ease of doing business. At the same time, the electorate expects welfare schemes to continue while economic growth accelerates.

If the BJP successfully combines administrative reform with industrial revival, it could reshape the State’s future. If delivery falters, the excitement surrounding this historic victory could dissipate quickly.

Tamil Nadu: Vijay’s tightrope walk:

TVK’s rise from a fledgling party to ruling power is one of the most remarkable developments in contemporary Indian politics. Riding on anti-incumbency and a desire for a fresh alternative, Vijay promised clean governance, employment generation, educational reform, transparency and youth empowerment. The scale of expectation is enormous. Admirers who cheered the actor’s political ascent now expect visible results.

The challenge before Vijay is to transform charisma into governance. Popularity wins elections; institutions run governments. Even with a competent cabinet, a first-time administration requires time to understand the complexity of administration.

Coalition management may prove equally difficult. Supporting parties are likely to seek policy concessions and ministerial influence. Without a clearly negotiated common programme, disagreements could complicate decision-making.

Vijay also faces the burden of defining the ideological identity of his government. His silence in the Assembly during renewed criticism of Sanatana Dharma by political opponents and some voices from his own party, created unease among many supporters.

Sanatana Dharma is widely understood by its adherents not merely as a religion but as a civilisational way of life. “Sanatana” means eternal; “Dharma” refers to duty, moral order and the principles that sustain society. Its teachings, reflected in texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and Mahabharata, emphasise ethical conduct, family responsibility, respect for nature and the pursuit of truth.

A clear affirmation that his government respects all faiths and traditions would have sent a stronger message of inclusiveness. Tamil Nadu’s fiscal situation presents another obstacle. Welfare obligations and debt commitments leave limited room for expansive new programmes. The bureaucracy, accustomed to a different style of functioning, may take time to adapt. TVK’s long-term success will depend on whether Vijay can assemble experienced advisers, set realistic priorities and deliver measurable results within the first year.

Kerala: Cong returns to a tough terrain:

In Kerala, the Congress-led alliance returned to office on promises of economic revival, job creation and better governance. The election reflected public desire for a change in direction after years of Left rule.

But the path ahead is challenging. Kerala’s finances are constrained by debt, salaries and welfare commitments. The state has a limited industrial base, making large-scale employment generation difficult. An ageing population and continued migration of young professionals add to the pressure.

Efforts to attract investment may face resistance from entrenched interests and labour groups. At the same time, voters expect high standards in education, healthcare and social welfare.

The Congress government must preserve Kerala’s impressive social indicators while creating economic opportunities that persuade young people to build their future at home rather than abroad.

Though the three governments differ in style and ideology, their challenges are strikingly similar. They include delivering on ambitious promises with limited resources, reforming bureaucracies resistant to change, creating jobs through investment and industrial growth, managing coalition pressures and internal dissent and meeting soaring public expectations.

The true verdict will not rest on electoral triumphs or celebratory rhetoric. It will depend on whether these governments improve livelihoods, strengthen institutions, create employment and maintain fiscal discipline.

The people of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have voted for change in three different forms. The honeymoon is short. The test of governance has begun.

(The author is former Chief Editor of The Hans India)