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Counting of votes for the 2026 Assembly elections is underway across five key regions - West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry - covering 823 seats and setting up a crucial test for incumbents versus challengers.
West Bengal remains the centrepiece, where the Bharatiya Janata Party is attempting to unseat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) after over a decade in power. While exit polls favour the BJP, uncertainties persist.
In Tamil Nadu, the DMK-Congress alliance led by M. K. Stalin is seeking re-election, with actor-politician Vijay emerging as a potential disruptor with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) debut.
Kerala is witnessing a key contest as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan faces a resurgent Congress-led opposition, making the outcome significant for the Left's national prospects.
In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP-led alliance are expected to retain power, though the victory margin remains under watch. Meanwhile, Gaurav Gogoi faces a critical electoral test.
In Puducherry, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy and the NDA face a competitive, multi-cornered contest.
Counting for bypolls is also underway, with attention on whether exit polls hold or surprises emerge.
This live blog has now ended, thank you for tuning in, for more reports, updates, and analysis, do visit NDTV Profit.
The BJP have won the West Bengal Assembly elections for the first time in history with a resounding 206 seats. They have defeated the TMC, who could only manage 81 seats.
In Tamil Nadu, actor-turned politician Vijay and his TVK party won 107 seats. While it's not enough to form the single majority, it's enough to likely make Vijay the next chief minister of the state.
In Assam, BJP won a hat-trick of elections as they won 82 seats with Congress far behind with 19 seats.
The Congress-led UDF has won the elections in Kerala with 89 seats.
And in Puducherry, the BJP-led NRC have won 18 seats.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) have won 107 seats in Tamil Nadu. With 234 seats in contest and a target name of 118 seats, it seems that Vijay's party will effectively form the government.
For the actor-turned politician, Vijay will most-likely be the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
DMK have won 60 seats and AIADMK have won 47 seats.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have won 206 seats in the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026. The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) have won 81 seats.
With a total of 294 seats in play and a target of 148 seats, BJP has won a decisive mandate.
Current West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said that she will hold a press conference on Tuesday, May 5 at 4:00 p.m. This comes after she lost her stronghold of Bhabanipur to BJP's Suvendu Adhikari by 15,114 votes.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP had stollen more than 100 seats in West Bengal. He said on X, "Assam and Bengal are clear cases of the election being stolen by the BJP with the support of the EC. We agree with Mamata ji. More than 100 seats were stolen in Bengal."
Assam and Bengal are clear cases of the election being stolen by the BJP with the support of the EC.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 4, 2026
We agree with Mamata ji. More than 100 seats were stolen in Bengal.
We have seen this playbook before:
Madhya Pradesh.
Haryana.
Maharashtra.
Lok Sabha 2024 etc
चुनाव चोरी,…
Suvendu Adhikari has won from the Nandigram seat over TMC's Pabitra Kar by 9,665 votes.
As mentioned earlier, Adhikari won this seat last time as well over Mamata Banerjee.
Current West Bengal CM and TMC head Mamata Banerjee alleges that the BJP "looted" more than 100 seats and termed the Election Commission "the BJP's commission."
She called BJP's win "immoral" and "illegal". Watch video:
#WATCH | Kolkata | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, "More than 100 seats BJP looted. The Election Commission is the BJP's commission. I complained to the CO and also Manoj Agrawal, but they are not doing anything. Do you think this is a victory? It is an immoral victory, not… pic.twitter.com/q0zelygU23
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026
BJP's Suvendu Adhikari has defeated current West Bengal CM and TMC head Mamata Banerjee from Bhabanipur after 20 rounds of counting.
Adhikari has won 73,463 over Mamata's 58,349 - a victory margin of 15,114.
Bhabanipur, long considered a TMC bastion, has been turned towards the BJP. In the 2021 West Bengal elections, Adhikari beat Mamata from Nandigram.
After 17 rounds of counting, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee trails the BJP's Suvendu Adhikari, who now holds a lead of 10,994 votes from the TMC bastion of Bhabanipur after 18 rounds out of 20.
The BJP has crossed the majority mark of 148 in the 294-seat Assembly. They now have 161 seats. TMC have won 56 seats.
Current Tamil Nadu MK Stalin said, "We bow to and accept the verdict of the people. Congratulations to the victors."
"In the past five years, we have created numerous projects and provided good governance to the people of Tamil Nadu. We have elevated Tamil Nadu in every way. In the electoral arena, we sought votes only by speaking of our achievements..."
"I express my heartfelt thanks to all the people of Tamil Nadu who supported and voted for the secular progressive alliance led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam," said Stalin, who also lost his seat to TVK's VS Babu.
The BJP's Suvendu Adhikari is leading against current West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur by 554 votes after 16 out of 20 rounds.
Current West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that, "We will bounce back" after TMC's loss in the state. Watch:
#WATCH | Kolkata | "We will bounce back," says CM & TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee, after TMC loses ground in West Bengal. pic.twitter.com/yS2gVV7sOo
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026
She also alleged, "From 3 pm onwards, they have been beating us. I was hit. CCTV was switched off. None of our agents was allowed inside (the counting centre). The DO assured me our agents would be allowed, but after that, he was not available anywhere. I complained everywhere."
Watch:
#WATCH | West Bengal CM & TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee says, "From 3 pm onwards, they have been beating us. I was hit. CCTV was switched off. None of our agents was allowed inside (the counting centre). The DO assured me our agents would be allowed, but after that, he was not… pic.twitter.com/vzZQvjqLOV
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026
PM Modi slammed the Congress, alleging that some have adopted divisive approaches to politics. "Congress has become a gang of urban Naxals," Modi said. "Congress has always been trying to divide India. People have shown with these results that they want development and not division."
"Political parties of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have one similarity - divisive politics,” he added. "People have rejected communal politics."
"I assure the UDF in Kerala that we (BJP) will work for the state's development," said PM Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised opposition parties, alleging that the Congress and its allies attempted to block the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament. Labeling these groups "nari virodhi" forces, he stated they had prevented the passage of the Nari Shakti Sanshodhan legislation.
He noted that he had previously warned of a backlash from female voters, remarking that he had predicted they would have to face the "fury of women." He concluded by asserting that the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and DMK have now been punished by the nation's "sisters and daughters," crediting women for the election results.
"I had warned the opposition that this would incur women's wrath. And with these results women have punished the opposition," said the Prime Minister.
Modi also predicted that the Samajwadi Party will see the fury of women in Uttar Pradesh soon. Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh are expected to be held in 2027.
In his national address after BJP's historic win in West Bengal, PM Modi said, "It is a time for change, not revenge."
"Anga, Banga, Kalinga have chosen BJP. They have put their faith in us," he added.
PM Modi said the Ayushman Bharat scheme will be given to West Bengal. "The Ayushman Bharat scheme will be given the green signal in the first cabinet meeting itself," he said.
Modi also equated the win in WB as a "new sunrise".
PM Modi talked about a "poriborton" in West Bengal. "BJP's Bengal win will soothe Shyama Prasad Mukherjee's soul. He dreamt of a prosperous Bengal. And this time was unrealised for years. And now the people of Bengal have given the BJP an opportunity," he said.
"Bangla e poriborton hoygeche (there is a wave of change in Bengal now," he added.
While addressing the nation on May 4, 2026, PM Modi said, "People have seen that BJP means good governance, they know BJP means development."
PM Modi says, "I want to assure the youth of Puducherry and the fishermen community that our party will keep working for the welfare of the people of the state."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the "encouraging" results of several by-elections, noting that the public consistently chose to bless BJP-NDA candidates across the country.
Modi pointed to victories in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, and Tripura as evidence of continued public support.
He also highlighted the performance of NDA leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, who secured a "landslide victory" in her constituency.
In a reflective address following the conclusion of the May 2026 Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that the true winner of the democratic exercise is the Indian voter.
As counting trends solidified a historic shift-including a landmark BJP victory in West Bengal and the rise of TVK in Tamil Nadu - the Prime Minister highlighted the resilience of India's electoral framework.
"Victory and loss is a part of democracy, but people of five states have shown to the whole world why our India is the mother of democracy," Modi said.
"Win and loss are part of the game. But people of these five states have shown the world why India is the mother of democracy."
"Maa Kamakhya has blessed us," PM Modi says on the BJP's Assam hat-trick.
PM Modi says that the Lotus, symbol of the BJP, has blossomed Gangotri to Ganga Sagar.
"It has bloomed everywhere," addressing the nation.
PM Modi thanked the BJP cadre for helping the party create history in West Bengal. He said, "These were first polls under the guidance of Nitin Nabin. And his guidance has been useful for the cadre."
"As a party worker, I share the joy of every BJP worker. Today is a special day in many ways. It marks the announcement of a bright future for the country," Modi said.
"This is a day of trust. Trust in India's great democracy. Trust in the politics of performance... Trust in the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat'."
Addressing the nation from BJP's headquarters, PM Modi said the party's resounding win in West Bengal as an “Unprecedented, historic verdict."
"I can see the happiness on workers’ faces," he said.
BJP chief Nitin Nabin has called BJP's West Bengal win a "historic moment."
He also targeted the opposition over women's quota bill, saying: "The results reflect people's anger with the opposition as it disrespected women by rejecting quota bill."
PM Narendra Modi has arrived at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. He is about to address the nation after the results from the five Assembly Elections are to be finalised.
Watch:
VIDEO | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) arrives at BJP headquarters.#Results2026WithPTI #AssemblyElectionResults2026 #PuducherryPollResults2026 #AssamPollResults2026 #WestBengalPollResults2026
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 4, 2026
(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/4d7dO2ZCLF
In a scene of high-octane political drama, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay emerged to greet a massive sea of supporters outside his parents' residence in Chennai.
The moment comes as trends on May 4, 2026, suggested a seismic shift in Tamil Nadu politics, with TVK leading in 108 of the 234 assembly seats.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | TVK chief Vijay acknowleges the crowd present outside his parents house in Chennai. His party has secured maximum lead in Tamil Nadu elections. pic.twitter.com/3gkkRNyYfS
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026
PM Narendra Modi has expressed his gratitude to the voters of Puducherry as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retains power in the Union Territory. Crediting the win to the visible impact of local leadership and administrative performance, the PM framed the victory as a green light to accelerate development.
"Thank you, Puducherry!" the PM shared, affirming that the people's support will drive a "collective effort" to take the region's development to the next level.
புதுச்சேரிக்கு நன்றி!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2026
எங்களது சிறந்த நல்லாட்சி சாதனைகள் அடிப்படையிலும், திரு என். ரங்கசாமி தலைமையிலான அரசின் செயல்பாடுகள் அடிப்படையிலும், புதுச்சேரி மக்கள் தேசிய ஜனநாயகக் கூட்டணிக்கு மற்றொரு ஆட்சிக்காலத்தை வழங்கியுள்ளனர். இந்த வாழ்த்துகள், நல்லாட்சியை மேலும் மேம்படுத்த எங்களின்…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the BJP-NDA's decisive victory in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, describing it as a powerful endorsement of "development and public welfare."
As counting progressed on May 4, the ruling alliance surged past the majority mark, effectively securing a historic third consecutive term in the state.
असम ने एक बार फिर भाजपा-एनडीए को अपना भरपूर आशीर्वाद दिया है!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2026
विधानसभा चुनावों में भाजपा-एनडीए की यह जीत विकास और जन-कल्याण की राजनीति के प्रति जनता-जनार्दन के अटूट विश्वास का प्रतीक है। मैं इस प्रचंड जनादेश के लिए असम के अपने परिवारजनों के प्रति आभार व्यक्त करता हूं। मैं उन्हें…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to acknowledge the shifts in Tamil Nadu's political landscape following the assembly election results. While the NDA sought to expand its footprint, the PM focused on a message of gratitude and cooperation with the state's emerging political forces.
In a notable gesture, PM Modi congratulated Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on their "impressive performance," acknowledging the party's significant impact as it leads in over 100 seats.
Gratitude to the voters of Tamil Nadu who supported the NDA in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections. We will always remain at the forefront in addressing people’s issues and improving their lives.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2026
Congratulations to TVK on their impressive performance.
The Centre will leave no…
Following the 2026 Kerala Assembly election results, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the United Democratic Front (UDF) on their victory.
While the BJP-NDA did not secure a majority, the Prime Minister emphasised his party's commitment to the state's growth and the aspirations of its people.
He reaffirmed the party's dedication to working toward a "Vikasita Kerala", promising that the BJP will continue to champion issues critical to the state's progress.
I thank all those who have voted for the BJP-NDA in Keralam. We will keep raising issues vital to Keralam’s progress and work hard to realise vision of a Vikasita Keralam.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2026
I congratulate the UDF on its victory in the Keralam Assembly elections. The Centre will always keep…
Union Home Minister Amit Shah issued a stirring tribute to the voters of West Bengal following the BJP's decisive electoral performance. Framed as a mandate for change, Shah's remarks characterised the victory as a total rejection of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and a celebration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
बंगाल की जनता को कोटि-कोटि नमन 🙏
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 4, 2026
यह प्रचंड जनादेश भय, तुष्टीकरण और घुसपैठियों के संरक्षकों को बंगाल की जनता का करारा जवाब है।
यह TMC के ‘भय’ के ऊपर श्री @narendramodi जी पर ‘भरोसे’ की जीत है।
मेरे जैसे हर भाजपा कार्यकर्ता के लिए यह गर्व का क्षण है कि गंगोत्री में माँ गंगा के…
RPSG Group Chairman Sanjiv Goenka has expressed high expectations for West Bengal's industrial future following the BJP's historic victory in the state assembly. Speaking to NDTV as the BJP crossed the 200-seat mark in the 294-member Assembly, the Kolkata-based tycoon emphasised the need for a total shift in the state's economic landscape.
"I have a vested emotional anger towards the development of the city and the state. I look forward to playing my own small little role in its transformation or development. There is a lot of expectation (from the BJP), and I think it'll be good to bring back the confidence of industry," Goenka said.
"We need people to come, invest and live happily in the state. For that, we need consistency of policy, not just announcements and then pulling them back."
PM Narendra Modi has addressed the BJP's stunning win in the West Bengal elections. He posted on X, saying: "BJP’s record win in West Bengal would not be possible without the efforts and struggles of countless Karyakartas over generations. I salute them all."
BJP’s record win in West Bengal would not be possible without the efforts and struggles of countless Karyakartas over generations. I salute them all. For years, they have worked hard on the ground, overcome all sorts of adversities and spoken about our development agenda. They…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2026
New BJP member and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has congratulated the party's success in the West Bengal Assembly elections.
Chadha posted on X saying, "Congratulations to the entire BJP family on the impressive election results, with West Bengal marking a historic & decisive victory that stands out as truly remarkable."
Congratulations to the entire BJP family on the impressive election results, with West Bengal marking a historic & decisive victory that stands out as truly remarkable.
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) May 4, 2026
The outcomes from Assam and Puducherry further reflect people’s continued faith in development and strong…
Rahul Gandhi thanked his "brothers and sisters in Keralam for a truly decisive mandate." The Congress leader took to X to congratulate UDF leaders and workers for a "hard-fought, well-run campaign."
Thank you to my brothers and sisters in Keralam for a truly decisive mandate.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 4, 2026
Congratulations to every UDF leader and worker for a hard-fought, well-run campaign.
As I said before, Keralam has the talent, Keralam has the potential and now Keralam has a UDF government with a…
In a hughe blow for MK Stalin, the current Tamil Nadu CM has lost his Kolathur stronghold to TVK's VS Babu by over 8,000 votes.
Amidst a wave of skepticism, Axis My India chief Pradeep Gupta revealed to NDTV that his agency faced significant ridicule for predicting a victory for actor-turned-politician Vijay's TVK in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections.
As the "lone wolf" in the polling industry, Axis My India's exit polls were the only ones to forecast a win for the debutant party, projecting a range of 98 to 120 seats in the 234-member house.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shows a victory sign as the BJP-led NDA sweeps the state's polls.
Watch:
#WATCH | Guwahati | Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma shows victory sign as the BJP-led NDA sweeps Assam polls pic.twitter.com/9oKO2YQGAW
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026
The Trinamool Congress party offices were vandalised and set on fire in Asansol and Jamuria amid the counting of votes.
#ResultsWithNDTV | Trinamool Office Set On Fire In Jamuria, Asansol
— NDTV (@ndtv) May 4, 2026
NDTV's @MickyGupta84 shares latest update.#ElectionResult2026 @VishnuNDTV pic.twitter.com/cuPB1gjukA
The BJP wave has swept West Bengal. The party has already won 11 seats and is leading in 200 other constituencies across the state, as the TMC struggles with 87.
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy congratulated Vijay for his party TVK's huge lead in Tamil Nadu.
In a post on X, Reddy said, "A special and heartfelt shoutout to my dear brother, Vijay! Emerging as the single largest party in your very first election is impressive. Wishing you immense strength and success as you embark on this new chapter of service. God be with you."
A special and heartfelt shoutout to my dear brother, Vijay! Emerging as the single largest party in your very first election is impressive. Wishing you immense strength and success as you embark on this new chapter of service. God be with you.
— YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) May 4, 2026
My sympathies are with Didi.…
The BJP has won nine seats and was leading in 189, while the TMC has bagged one so far in West Bengal.
AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal on Monday said the Congress-led UDF's sweeping victory in the Kerala Assembly polls was a clear verdict against the 'arrogance', corruption and nepotism of the CPI(M)-led LDF government headed by CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
Sachin Pilot, who was the Congress' senior observer for the Kerala Assembly polls, asserts that there will be no issues in deciding the chief ministerial nominee as the party leadership will take the final call after consulting all stakeholders and that will be acceptable to all.
BJP has emerged with a commanding lead in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, ahead in 194 seats as per trends, while the ruling TMC trails at around 93.
Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad blamed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the party's setback, saying the results reflect a public rejection of her government. Speaking to NDTV, he said "arrogance never works in politics" and described the outcome as a verdict against alleged misgovernance.
Prasad also drew contrasts with Bengal's past, saying Banerjee had once fought the Left but had now "surpassed" it in governance failures. Calling the moment "emotional" for the BJP, he invoked Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, describing Bengal as his karm bhoomi.
He further referenced figures like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda, saying Bengal's spiritual legacy had been eroded over time, first by the Left and later under the current regime.
The Congress in Tamil Nadu has reached out to Vijay's TVK for an alliance, NDTV reported. This follows the actor's party's blockbuster performance and warped rise in the state which has been under the DMK and AIADMK duopoly for decades.
Celebrations are underway at the BJP office with Bengali rasgullas as the party nears a historic first government in West Bengal since Independence.
The BJP is leading in 194 seats, while the ruling TMC is leading in 93 seats.
Watch:
#BengalElectionResults2026 | Celebrations at the BJP office with Bengali rasgullas as the party nears a historic first government in Bengal since Independence#ResultsWithNDTV #ElectionResults #AssemblyElections pic.twitter.com/OvMeFk3FIl
— NDTV (@ndtv) May 4, 2026
DMK's M Raju won the Coonoor seat in Tamil Nadu with a total of 50,470 votes. AIADMK's A Ramu lost by a margin of 8,099 votes.
M. K. Stalin was trailing in his stronghold Kolathur after the seventh round of counting, according to data from the Election Commission of India.
The DMK president, seeking a second straight term, was behind V. S. Babu of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam by over 8,000 votes. Santhana Krishnan of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was in third place with 11,405 votes.
Kolathur has been held by Stalin since 2011. In 2021, he won the seat by a margin of over 70,000 votes against Aadhi Rajaram, who is now contesting from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni and is currently leading against Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Statewide trends indicate a major shift, with TVK leading in around 110 seats in the 234-member Assembly, well ahead of the DMK-led alliance, which is ahead in roughly 48 seats.
Vijay's father S. A. Chandrasekhar expressed pride after trends showed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leading in Tamil Nadu, calling the moment deeply personal and significant.
Speaking to ANI, he said he and his wife were "very proud and happy," highlighting the unwavering confidence shown by his son, actor-turned-politician Vijay, over the past two years.
Chandrasekhar recalled Vijay's firm belief in his political ambitions, saying he had told him, "I will be the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu." He added that Vijay carried no self-doubt throughout the campaign and remained committed to contesting independently. "I will stand on my own legs, no alliance," he quoted his son as saying.
Describing the development as a turning point, Chandrasekhar said the outcome could mark a "historic victory" not just for Vijay but also for the people of Tamil Nadu, signalling a potentially transformative political moment in the state.
Bihar MLA Maithili Thakur spoke to NDTV on why the trends are showing BJP leading in West Bengal over TMC.
Watch:
Bihar MLA Maithili Thakur (@maithilithakur) speaks to NDTV on trends showing BJP leading in West Bengal #ResultsWithNDTV pic.twitter.com/gGSMPc9EVr
— NDTV (@ndtv) May 4, 2026
VD Satheesan on Monday said the United Democratic Front (UDF) had effectively secured victory in the 2026 Kerala Assembly election, marking the Congress-led alliance's first state poll win since 2001 and unseating the CPI(M)-led Left Front.
Speaking to NDTV, Satheesan said the outcome matched the alliance's internal projection of crossing 100 seats, attributing the win to its promise of a secular and alternative government. Credited with steering the Congress campaign, he declined to comment on who would be the next chief minister, saying the decision would rest with the party leadership.
"There is a procedure. I am not a competent person to say anything about who will be chief minister," he said, even as names like Shashi Tharoor are being discussed.
Satheesan pointed to strong anti-incumbency against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and said the UDF had consistently highlighted governance concerns while offering alternatives.
He added that voters responded to issues such as Kerala's fiscal stress, healthcare gaps and rising brain drain, noting that the alliance had undertaken detailed studies on the Left government's shortcomings and laid out plans to address them.
DMK wins in Gudalur Constituency in Tamil Nadu.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary had his say on the West Bengal elections. "Where Shyama Prasad Mukherjee was born, that Bengal is ours. A heartfelt million-fold salute to the aware and patriotic people of Bengal for giving the Bharatiya Janata Party a historic mandate in the West Bengal Assembly elections," said Choudhary.
Vijay is set to deliver another mega hit in his career - this time in the political field. Vijay's TVK is leading in 108 of Tamil Nadu's 234 seats.
These are the latest trends, but celebrations have already begun at Vijay's home in Chennai. Watch:
#WATCH | Celebrations At Vijay's House As Trends Show TVK Leading In Tamil Nadu#Vijay #ResultsWithNDTV #ElectionResults #AssemblyElections #TamilNaduElections pic.twitter.com/xNrryBZHua
— NDTV (@ndtv) May 4, 2026
Suvendu Adhikari, widely viewed as a potential Chief Ministerial face for the BJP in West Bengal, told NDTV that early election trends showing the party leading in 195 seats signalled a strong anti-incumbency wave in the state. In a 294-member Assembly where 148 seats mark the majority threshold, the numbers suggested a possible end to the long-standing rule of TMC's Mamata Banerjee, who has been in power since 2011.
Adhikari said the mandate reflected public dissatisfaction. "The people voted against the misrule," he stated. He added that the BJP's push in WB has deep historical roots, invoking Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. According to him, the party has aspired for such a breakthrough since Mukherjee's time but had fallen short until now.
When congratulated on being projected as the next Chief Minister, Adhikari played down the suggestion. Addressing voting trends among women, he argued that the electorate did not split strictly along gender lines, asserting instead that, "Hindu women voted for the BJP."
The Axis My India were the only survey that predicted a blockbuster debut for the Vijay and TVK with 98 to 120 seats to edge out the DMK 92 to 110, and leave the AIADMK with 22 to 32.
As per the leads at 2:20 pm, TVK is leading in 110 seats, with AIADMK in 63 and DMK in 60.
#ResultsWithNDTV | Celebrations galore at Axis My India's office amid their exit poll predictions on a TVK lead #ResultsWithNDTV pic.twitter.com/4woIBa2O0a
— NDTV (@ndtv) May 4, 2026
A fight broke out at the Barrackpore Rastraguru Surendranath counting centre in West Bengal. Security personnel are present at the scene. As of now, more details are awaited.
Watch:
#WATCH | Barrackpore, North 24 Parganas: A scuffle broke out at Barrackpore Rastraguru Surendranath counting centre in West Bengal
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026
Security personnel are present at the scene. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/h5a94Bpt3j
TVK chief Vijay's former personal driver's son, Sabarinathan R, is leading in the Virugampakkam seat by over 5,000 votes. DMK's Prabhakara Raja AMV is trailing.
Popular south Indian actor Trisha Krishnan arrived outside TVK head Vijay's residence as trends projected the party lead in 110 seats in Tamil Nadu.
Trisha marked her 43rd birthday with a visit to the Tirumala temple in the morning, followed by a visit to Vijay’s Chennai residence. The development comes at a time when Vijay’s party, TVK, remains in focus amid the ongoing Tamil Nadu election buzz. pic.twitter.com/1kZ4RPxFd6
— NDTV Profit (@NDTVProfitIndia) May 4, 2026
BJP's women workers are celebrating the party's lead in 194 seats in West Bengal as the latest trends roll in. With a 'jhalmuri' cone in hand, a party worker said the ruling TMC lost because it didn't provide security for women in the state.
"We do not want 'Lakshmir Bhandar'. We want safety and security in West Bengal. Women are not safe here. So, Lakshmir Bhandar was rejected," the party worker said.
#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: A worker says, "We do not want 'Lakshmir Bhandar'. We want safety and security in West Bengal. Women are not safe here. So, Lakshmir Bhandar was rejected." pic.twitter.com/aL9mg1TaYW
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026
Congress workers began to celebrate the party-led UDF's massive lead in Kerala. Dhols, firecrackers and sweets were seen outside the Congress office in New Delhi in celebrations.
UDF has crossed the target mark of 71 and is leading in 87 seats, according to the latest Election Commission trends.
#WATCH | Delhi: Celebrations underway outside Congress office in Delhi.
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026
Congress-led UDF has crossed the majority mark, according to the latest Election Commission trends. pic.twitter.com/49wCoYixL2
Clashes erupted between TMC and BJP workers in the city of Dinhata in Cooch Behar. Central Forces personnel resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the issue.
#WATCH | West Bengal | Clash erupts between BJP and TMC workers in Cooch Behar's Dinhata, Central Forces personnel resort to lathi-charge pic.twitter.com/1UyxSq7KEN
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026
Celebrations are underway at BJP headquarters after their massive lead in the West Bengal election results as per the latest trends. Watch video:
#ResultsWithNDTV | Celebrations at BJP headquarters after their massive lead in the results as per trends https://t.co/LpfcFgnMrg pic.twitter.com/hfoFk8OAs6
— NDTV (@ndtv) May 4, 2026
BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told NDTV that the people in West Bengal have decided the votes. and cast their mandate in huge numbers despite an attempt to create disinformation and confusion around the polls. Naqvi said it is "an example of a vibrant democracy."
Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, who now heads his own party Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), is leading from both the seats he's contesting - Rejinagar and Naoda.
"I will tell all our counting agents and all our party workers not to be so upset. I said you would win after sunset. Even if three or four rounds have been counted, there are 14-18 rounds in total. You will win then. Wait and watch. We are with you. Don't be afraid. We will fight like tiger cubs," she concluded her message.
Mamata Banerjee accused BJP of "looting votes". In her address on social media, she claimed, "You have seen how they looted votes in the name of SIR to win the seats they could. But there are still 70-100 seats where we are leading, which they are not reporting."
"They are feeding entirely false news. The Election Commission is playing according to its will, along with the central forces. Our police are working under the central forces with complete submission."
Mamata Banerjee continued saying, "Counting has been stopped after two or three rounds in about 100 locations. Seven machines were found in Kalyani where there was no match. It's a total forceful use of central forces to oppress the Trinamool Congress everywhere, breaking offices, and forcibly occupying them."
In her message to the TMC party on social media, Mamata Banerjee said: "I request all counting agents and candidates not to leave the counting area. This is BJP's plan. Since yesterday, I have been saying that they will show their results first and ours later in the first two or three rounds."
Mamata Banerjee says that EC is "deliberately engaging in slow counting" and the EC has "stopped counting".
She wows that, "We will fight."
জরুরি বার্তা pic.twitter.com/Uc82oihwEL
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 4, 2026
The Election Commission has announced that BJP candidate Daochier I Imchen has secured victory in the Koridang Assembly bypoll in Nagaland, PTI reported.
AIADMK senior leader C. Ponnaiyan has ruled out any possibility of aligning with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), asserting that Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) will return as Chief Minister. Speaking to NDTV, Ponnaiyan dismissed speculation over a possible tie-up with TVK amid closely watched trends in Tamil Nadu’s 234-seat Assembly contest.
Early counting shows TVK leading in 105 seats, nearing the majority mark of 118, while the AIADMK-led alliance is ahead in 71 seats. The ruling DMK, in alliance with Congress and DMDK, is currently trailing with leads in 57 constituencies.
In the latest counting update from Dharmadam constituency, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan (CPI-M) is leading over his Congress rival Adv. V.P. Abdul Rasheed.
Updated at 12:30 pm after the 8th round of counting, Vijayan has secured 44,199 votes, maintaining a lead of 3,659 votes. His nearest challenger from the INC stands at 40,540 votes, according to Election Commission of India
“The BJP will form the government with more than 180 seats,” says party candidate Suvendhu Adhikari, who is contesting from Nandigram and Bhabanipur.
Early counting trends show the BJP leading in 193 seats, bolstering its claim of forming a stable government. Adhikari is currently trailing in Bhabanipur, where he faces Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, but is ahead in the closely watched Nandigram seat.
TVK has made a striking electoral debut in Tamil Nadu, with party spokesperson Felix Gerald saying the outcome reflects a strong public desire for change as trends show the Vijay-led outfit ahead in around 110 seats, just short of the 118-seat majority mark.
The emerging picture points to a fractured mandate, with no single party appearing on course to cross the magic figure, raising the possibility of a kingmaker role in government formation after a rare three-cornered contest reshapes the state’s political landscape.
The AIADMK, currently trailing in the count, appears to be reassessing the situation but has firmly ruled out any post-poll understanding with TVK. Senior leader C Ponnaiyan said the party remains confident of its rural performance and eventual comeback.
“They are doing well in urban areas. We will do well in rural areas when counting goes there, and EPS will become Chief Minister,” he said, adding that the AIADMK’s alliance remains intact and it will not join hands with TVK under any circumstances.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has moved closer to breaching the Trinamool Congress’ long-held stronghold in West Bengal, with early trends suggesting a tightly contested race for power, ANI reported. According to the Election Commission, the BJP is currently leading in 121 seats, while the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC is ahead in 71 constituencies. Its ally BGPM is leading in one seat, as per the latest updates.
Television projections have further indicated a narrow edge for the BJP in the 294-member Assembly, forecasting leads of around 160 seats, just above the majority mark of 148, while the TMC is projected to secure around 121 seats.
Early trends from Karnataka’s bypoll counting show Congress taking the lead in Bagalkot, while the BJP is ahead in Davanagere South, where voting was held on April 9. Counting is currently underway for the two Assembly constituencies.
Prime Minister Modi to visit the BJP headquarters in New Delhi at 6:30 PM and address workers.
Hours into counting of votes in the Assam Assembly elections, early trends show a clear lead for the BJP-led alliance, which is ahead in 98 of the 126 seats, marking a gain of 25 seats compared to 2021.
The Congress-led alliance is trailing with 26 seats, down by 5, while the AIUDF is reduced to just 2 seats, a sharp decline of 14. Other parties and independents have failed to open their account so far, slipping from 6 seats in the last election to zero in the current trends.
According to PTI, celebration tents were dismantled on Monday morning as early counting trends in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections placed the ruling DMK in an unexpected third position, signalling a subdued atmosphere at the party headquarters.
Early counting trends from Tamil Nadu show a strong showing for TVK, which has surged ahead with leads in 101 seats, marking a century in the initial rounds of counting. The AIADMK is trailing with leads in 72 seats.
Early counting trends from West Bengal show the BJP crossing the halfway mark, with leads in 170 constituencies, placing the party in a strong position as results continue to trickle in.
Early trends from Assam show a decisive edge for the BJP-led NDA, which is leading in 87 constituencies, comfortably breaching the halfway mark. The numbers place Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in a strong position for a second consecutive term, as the alliance builds a clear advantage over rivals in the initial rounds of counting.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has claimed a change in voting behaviour in West Bengal, suggesting what he described as a “Hindu consolidation” while alleging that Muslim voters did not back the Trinamool Congress in the same numbers as before.
He said some votes, in his view, shifted towards a “pro-Muslim party” while the BJP also received a share of support. Adhikari added that he was “not expecting such a good performance” for the BJP in Muslim-dominated booths in Nandigram.
Linking the trend to the broader campaign, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “guarantee” of development for Bengal appeared to have worked in the party’s favour.
Congress-led UDF moves past the halfway threshold, securing leads in 82 seats as per the latest Election Commission trends, signaling a strong early edge in the counting process.
Early counting trends show the BJP-led NDA maintaining leads in Nemom, Kazhakkoottam, Manjeswar, Palakkad and Chathannur in Kerala, according to television reports cited by PTI.
Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi is trailing in the Jorhat Assembly constituency, with BJP’s Hitendra Nath Goswami, the sitting MLA since 2016, maintaining an early lead as counting progresses.
Early counting trends from Bhabanipur show Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee pulling ahead of BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari, setting the tone in one of the closely watched constituencies as vote counting continues across the state.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, when asked about being a contender for the Chief Minister’s post, said there were already “enough contenders” in the fray, PTI reported. Emphasising a broader vision for the state, he added that the focus should be on “a revival of Kerala” and expressed hope that he could “be of some use to the new government.”
Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy is leading in the Thattanchavady constituency, according to the Election Commission, as counting of votes progresses in the Union Territory.
Early counting trends show a tight contest in Tamil Nadu, with Vijay’s TVK taking a slender lead in 63 constituencies, narrowly overtaking the ruling DMK, which is ahead in 62 seats.
The AIADMK, in alliance with the BJP and PMK, is currently leading in 40 seats, indicating a multi-cornered fight shaping up across the state.
In early counting trends from Tamil Nadu, actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has taken a narrow lead, ahead in 43 seats. The AIADMK-led alliance, which includes the BJP and PMK, is close behind with leads in 40 seats, indicating a tightly contested race.
Early counting trends from Assam indicate a strong start for the BJP, which has surged past the majority mark of 64 seats and is currently leading in 68 constituencies, pointing towards a potential return to power.
As counting of EVM votes gets underway, early trends show the UDF maintaining a lead in Kerala, setting the tone for a closely watched contest.
The BJP has surged ahead in the Jhargram assembly constituency in early counting trends, according to data from the Election Commission, as vote counting for the West Bengal Assembly elections gets underway on Monday.
The BJP has taken a commanding lead in Assam, currently ahead in 53 seats and inching closer to the majority mark of 64, according to early counting trends.
Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP has surged ahead of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in early counting trends from the Bhabanipur constituency in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Adhikari, once a close confidant of Banerjee, had delivered a major upset in the previous election by defeating her in Nandigram by a narrow margin, forcing the Trinamool Congress chief to shift to Bhabanipur to remain in the Assembly. Early trends now suggest another closely watched contest unfolding.
With the BJP leading in 85 seats in early counting for West Bengal, senior Trinamool Congress leader and MP Professor Saugata Roy cautioned against reading too much into the numbers. He said the current figures are based on postal ballots and do not reflect any clear trend yet, urging patience until more rounds of counting are completed.
In Kerala, the 2026 Assembly election has shaped up as a direct contest between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), with the BJP-led NDA aiming to expand its footprint in the state. The 140-member Legislative Assembly requires a majority mark of 71 seats to form the government, setting the stage for a closely watched outcome.
Early counting trends show the BJP gaining an initial edge, leading in around 50 seats. In Tamil Nadu, the DMK-led alliance, which includes Congress and DMDK, is ahead in 35 seats, while the AIADMK-BJP-PMK combine is currently leading in 21 constituencies.
Early counting trends from West Bengal show the BJP leading in 44 seats, pulling ahead of the Trinamool Congress, which is currently ahead in 18 constituencies. The initial numbers indicate a competitive contest, with more clarity expected as counting progresses.
Early counting trends show TVK chief Vijay leading in one constituency while trailing in another, indicating a mixed start for the party.
In Puducherry, the NDA alliance led by the All India NR Congress (AINRC), NRC , is leading in three seats.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is leading in Kolathur seat.
Initial trends from the counting of postal ballots in Tamil Nadu indicate an early advantage for the ruling DMK, offering the first signs of momentum as vote counting gets underway.
In Thiruvananthapuram, Congress MP Jebi Mather expressed strong confidence in a decisive victory for the Congress-led UDF in Kerala, PTI reported. She said the alliance is expecting to cross the 100-seat mark, and at the very least secure over 85 seats. Mather asserted that there is “no doubt” the state will see a Congress Chief Minister and a UDF government once results are declared.
Aam Janata Unnayan Party founder Humyaun Kabir on Monday alleged lapses in arrangements at a counting centre in Baharampur, West Bengal, as vote counting began, according to PTI.
Speaking from Murshidabad district, Kabir said counting agents were facing inadequate seating and pointed to gaps in security at the venue. He urged the Election Commission of India to step in and ensure better facilities and tighter security across counting centres.
Counting for the high-stakes West Bengal Assembly elections began at 8 am, with results expected to indicate whether Mamata Banerjee secures a fourth consecutive term or the Bharatiya Janata Party makes significant inroads in the state.
As counting gets underway for West Bengal’s 293 assembly seats, state BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya expressed confidence in a decisive victory, asserting that voters have rejected the ruling Trinamool Congress. Speaking outside a counting centre in Kolkata, he framed the election as a contest between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the people, claiming the results would reflect a clear mandate against the incumbent government.
DMK, Vijay’s TVK lead in one seat each as first trends come in.
Both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposing BJP are leading in one seat each in West Bengal show early trends.
Counting of votes is underway for Assembly elections held across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry. Postal ballots are being taken up first, with early trends expected shortly. A total of 823 seats are at stake.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan updated his social media bio, now identifying himself as a Polit Bureau member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Vijayan, seeking a rare third consecutive term, is contesting from his stronghold amid a more competitive race this time. The Congress-led United Democratic Front has fielded V P Abdul Rasheed, while K Ranjith is in the fray for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.
Tensions flared outside a counting centre in Bhabanipur on Monday morning as agents of the Trinamool Congress and BJP engaged in a verbal clash ahead of vote counting for the West Bengal Assembly elections, ANI reported. The dispute reportedly centred on alleged discrepancies in rules for carrying materials inside the counting hall, with both sides accusing each other of violating norms.
The confrontation comes just hours before counting begins at 8 am across all 293 constituencies. Authorities have deployed a three-tier security system, including CAPF personnel and CCTV surveillance, to ensure a smooth and transparent counting process.
Counting of votes for all 126 Assembly seats in Assam will begin at 8:00 am, with the BJP aiming for a third consecutive term. The process will start with ballot box votes, including those cast by armed forces personnel, followed by the counting of EVM votes.
Exit polls suggest a strong advantage for the BJP-led NDA, with a poll of polls projecting around 92 seats for the alliance, well above the majority mark of 64. Most estimates place the NDA in the 85–100 seat range, while the Congress-led bloc is seen trailing in the 20–35 seat bracket, indicating a likely comfortable victory for the ruling alliance if these trends hold.
Tamil Nadu is shaping up for a tightly contested verdict, with exit polls offering sharply divergent projections. While some surveys suggest a second straight win for the DMK-Congress alliance led by MK Stalin, others indicate a possible comeback for the AIADMK-led NDA under Edappadi K Palaniswami.
A key wildcard this election is actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which several polls project could secure a significant vote share and potentially play a decisive role. Estimates for TVK vary widely, from under 15 seats in some surveys to nearly 100 in others, highlighting the uncertainty.
The Congress is keenly watching the outcome as it looks to retain relevance in the state, though DMK has signalled it may govern independently. Tamil Nadu recorded over 85% voter turnout across all 234 seats polled in a single phase on April 23.
With projections ranging from comfortable leads for DMK to a clear edge for AIADMK , the state remains one of the most unpredictable battlegrounds in this election cycle.
West Bengal is one of the most closely watched electoral contests in the country, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee aiming to retain the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year stronghold amid a fierce challenge from the BJP.
The state, which delivered a decisive mandate to the TMC in 2021 with over 200 seats, is witnessing a far more competitive race this time, with the BJP significantly expanding its organisational presence and campaign intensity.
A key variable in this election is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which saw nearly 91 lakh names being removed, an exercise the TMC has criticised as rushed and politically motivated. The party has sought to turn this into a campaign issue, urging voters to respond through the ballot.
Exit polls remain sharply divided. While Praja Poll projects a strong surge for the BJP with 178–208 seats and a reduced tally for the TMC, Janmat Polls suggests a scenario closer to 2021, giving the TMC a clear lead.
As counting progresses, early trends will be crucial in determining whether the incumbent retains control or if West Bengal is headed for a major political shift.
Security has been stepped up at a counting centre in Siliguri as West Bengal awaits vote results after a two-phase election marked by repolling in select booths, PTI reported. The Election Commission has also ordered a fresh vote in all 285 booths of Falta on May 21. BJP candidate Durga Murmu called it a “historic election”, expressing confidence that Bengal will see a change.
The Election Commission of India said it will ensure the “highest standards of transparency, security and efficiency” as counting gets underway today. Votes are being tallied for Assembly polls in five states and bye-elections across seven constituencies.
The stage is set for counting of votes in Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry.
A total of 823 seats are at stake after a high-intensity, multi-phase polling exercise through April. Today’s counting will decide whether incumbents hold ground or challengers rewrite the script.
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