Election Results 2026 Live Updates: 'Ball is in Vijay's court,' says AIADMK leader Kovai Sathyan

The 2026 Kerala Assembly election has turned into a closely fought contest as counting moves into the mid-morning phase.

With 140 seats in the assembly, the majority mark stands at 71. While the UDF appears slightly ahead at this stage, officials and analysts caution that these are early trends, with EVM counting still underway and likely to shift the picture further.

The key battle of Assam is set for verdict declaration on Monday. The BJP under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma looking for straight third term in state.

Early television trends suggest a tight contest in the West Bengal Assembly elections, with the BJP holding a narrow edge over the ruling Trinamool Congress as counting continues. However, the Election Commission has yet to release official figures, with postal ballot counting currently under way.

Different channels report varying leads, reflecting the fluid nature of early trends. Some indicate a marginal BJP advantage, while others show the TMC close behind, pointing to a highly competitive race.

Meanwhile, security has been intensified across counting centres, including patrols in Malda and strict arrangements in other states. Minor tensions were reported at a counting centre, where BJP and TMC agents traded allegations over entry rules.

As vote counting for the 2026 Assembly elections began on Monday across Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, preparations were in full swing at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, where food was arranged for party workers and supporters.

A wide breakfast spread, including sandwiches, aloo poori, poha and jalebi, was prepared from early morning for around 400 to 500 people, along with lassi, fruits and traditional sweets. Lunch arrangements include dal, kadhi, vegetables, rice and papad, with desserts such as rasogulla and jalebi.

On the counting of votes, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said, "DMK will form the government. We will get 40% plus vote share. We will get an absolute majority. DMK alone will get around 130-140 seats. We will form the government..."

As per TV trends, BJP leading in West Bengal with 33 seats against the TMC’s 28, the LDF and UDF tied at 3 seats each in Kerala, and the BJP ahead in Assam with 23 seats compared to the Congress’s 4.

As per early trends, BJP is currently leading in 2 seats in Bengal. In Kerala, CPI is leading on 17 seats, Congress on 12 and BJP is ahead on 3 seats.

The counting of votes for high-stakes battle of Bengal has begun. BJP, in early trends, has maintained lead in the country's second-largest assembly. BJP's Nisith Pramanik is leading from Mathabhanga seat.

As per early trends in Kerala, CPM is leading in 3 seats, Congress in 2, CPI is ahead in 2 and BJP leads on 1 seat.

Jalebis are being prepared at the BJP Headquarters as counting of votes begins for the Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry.

Counting is also under way for bypolls in seven Assembly constituencies across five states.

Ajoy Kumar Gogoi, Congress candidate from Assam's Demow Constituency, said, "We hope the results will be in line with what the public and the party workers wanted. We hope a Congress government will be formed."

West Bengal remains under tight security as counting of votes begun.

Strong rooms storing EVMs have been kept under round-the-clock surveillance, while workers of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party gathered outside several counting centres, leading to sporadic tensions.

Counting of votes for the assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry has begun. Votes are also being counted for bypolls in seven Assembly constituencies across five states.

In West Bengal, counting is taking place for 293 of the 294 seats, with polling in the Falta constituency scheduled for May 21.

Counting of votes for the assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry has begun at 8 am, with early trends expected to shape the political direction acrossthese regions. Among them, West Bengal remains the key battleground after a fiercely fought campaign marked by sharp exchanges, heavy deployment of central forces and sporadic violence.

In Bhowanipore, a crucial constituency witnessing a direct contest between chief minister Mamata Banerjee and the BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, heavy police deployment was seen outside the Sakhawat Memorial School counting centre. Similar arrangements were reported at Netaji Indoor Stadium and other major venues.

Tensions surfaced early as polling agents from the BJP and Trinamool Congress (TMC) clashed verbally at Bhabanipur. TMC agents alleged unequal rules, claiming they were not allowed to carry basic items inside, while BJP agents accused their counterparts of lacking proper identification.

The Election Commission stated that all preparations are in place, including secured strong rooms and monitored counting facilities. Across the state, security forces remain on high alert amid deep mistrust between rival parties.

Counting of votes in West Bengal is set to begin shortly, with incumbent chief minister Mamata Banerjee facing one of her toughest political tests.

With one of the highest-ever voter turnouts and an intense, high-decibel campaign, the stakes are exceptionally high. The key question now is whether the state is signalling a shift. Has “the sun has set for TMC in Bengal,” as the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership claims? Traditionally, high voter turnout has often been read as a sign of anti-incumbency, adding another layer of uncertainty to the outcome.

The contest has increasingly turned bipolar, squeezing out smaller players and evolving into a direct face-off between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. Buoyed by its gains in the 2021 elections, the BJP has intensified its campaign, fielding heavyweight candidates even in traditional TMC strongholds such as Bhowanipore and other constituencies in southern Bengal. The messaging has been clear, no seat is being conceded without a fight.

Several exit polls have also given an edge to the BJP over Mamata Banerjee’s TMC, signalling potential discomfort for the ruling party. Poll of polls projections suggest that the TMC may no longer remain the single dominant force, with the BJP emerging as a serious contender for power.

The Banglar ‘manush’ have long shown strong political loyalty, often backing one party decisively and allowing it to govern for extended periods. Over nearly eight decades since Independence, West Bengal has seen its politics shaped not by frequent power shifts, but by distinct, dominant eras driven by clear ideologies and long mandates.

The 2026 assembly elections, however, have added a new intensity to this legacy. What is unfolding is not just another contest, but a high-stakes battle between long-serving Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and an assertive, fast-expanding Bharatiya Janata Party.

Projections vary widely, with some suggesting continuity and others indicating potential shifts. The mixed signals highlight the uncertainty surrounding the final outcome.

West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said, "All arrangements are in place. There is a three-tier security arrangement; our RO (Returning Officer), ARO (Assistant Returning Officer), counting agents, and counting supervisors are all ready; they have undergone training multiple times. There is no possibility of any disruption anywhere, everything will happen as per the rules...200 companies of CAPF have been deployed for the counting centres."

Tamil Nadu’s election is being shaped by a triangular contest, with Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerging as a potential disruptor. While traditional rivals remain dominant, the presence of a new force has added uncertainty to the outcome.

Counting for the 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry is set to begin at 8.00am today, starting with postal ballots, followed by EVM votes from 8.30 am. Results will be released in real time via the Election Commission’s platforms.

West Bengal remains the most fiercely contested state, with both the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) expressing strong confidence. BJP leaders have predicted a shift in power, while the TMC insists Mamata Banerjee will return comfortably, even as it raises concerns over security and counting arrangements. Tensions have been heightened by the Election Commission’s decision to order repolling in Falta, prompting criticism from multiple parties.

In Tamil Nadu, the DMK-led alliance is widely expected to retain power, backed by favourable exit polls and strong turnout. Election preparations have been thorough, with enhanced security and new verification measures in place.

Assam presents a competitive contest, with the BJP seeking re-election on its governance record, while the Congress remains optimistic about gains amid high voter participation.

Kerala’s election is particularly significant, as the ruling Left Democratic Front aims for a rare consecutive term, while the opposition UDF hopes for a comeback.

In Puducherry, both the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-DMK alliance are vying for control. As counting unfolds, the results will determine whether voters favour continuity or change across these regions.

Shashi Panja, TMC leader and candidate from the Shyampukur constituency, said, "We bring in all papers on which we keep a track of counting. This is all the work of Election Commission. Everything is being thrown away. Have we come here to clash? Have we come here with bullets and ammunition and pistols?"

Election Commission said, "Upon examination, it has been found that the VVPAT paper slips shown are related to mock poll done before poll day and are not related to the actual poll conducted on the day of voting. Further, a detailed enquiry has been initiated, and a formal complaint has been lodged for verification and necessary action."

West Bengal: A verbal clash broke out between counting agents of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party outside the counting centre at Sakhawat Memorial School in the Bhowanipore Assembly constituency.

Counting of votes for 293 assembly constituencies in the state will begin at 8 am today.

The stage is set for counting in the 2026 assembly elections across five key regions, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, with the process scheduled to begin at 8:00 am today.

Counting will start with postal ballots at 8:00 am, followed by EVM counting from 8:30 am. Round-wise results will be updated in real time on ECINET and the official portal of the Election Commission.

In West Bengal, the most closely watched battleground, tensions remained high till the final hours. Suvendu Adhikari struck a spiritual note ahead of counting, saying, "I offered prayers at the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. God is with us. A government that protects the interests of Sanatan Dharma is coming."

The Bharatiya Janata Party has expressed confidence in unseating the Trinamool Congress, with leaders predicting a wave of change.

On the other side, the TMC has reiterated that Mamata Banerjee is set for a comfortable return. Party leader Kunal Ghosh said, "Mamata Banerjee is coming back with more than 200 seats," while also raising concerns over arrangements for counting agents, including lack of basic facilities.

The party has also flagged security concerns, with Mamata Banerjee urging workers to stay vigilant, alleging power cuts and suspicious activity near strong rooms.

Adding to the tensions, the Election Commission of India ordered repolling in all 285 booths of the Falta constituency, citing "severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process," triggering sharp reactions across parties.

TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee demanded accountability, while BJP leaders dismissed the move as Opposition “ego.” From the Congress, MP Imran Pratapgarhi said, "If, despite deploying over 2.5 lakh central security forces, repolling has to be conducted, what could be more shameful for the Election Commission?"

Security remained tight in Kolkata, with senior CRPF officials inspecting strong rooms at Netaji Indoor Stadium. BJP workers also gathered outside counting centres, saying they were there to “safeguard EVMs,” highlighting the deep mistrust between rival camps. Despite the allegations, officials have maintained that counting will be conducted in a free and fair manner.

In Tamil Nadu, the contest appears more predictable, though still intense. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance is widely expected to retain power, backed by strong turnout and favourable exit polls.

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Congress in-charge Girish Chodankar expressed confidence in the alliance’s return, saying, "We are confident that our DMK alliance will form the government and create history in Tamil Nadu. We are very confident that we will come back to power."

Preparations in the state have been extensive. In Ranipet district, counting arrangements were reviewed at Arignar Anna Government Women’s Arts College, with EVMs sorted constituency-wise. The Election Commission has put in place a three-tier security system and introduced QR code-based identity verification to ensure only authorised personnel access sensitive areas.

Meanwhile, in Assam, where the BJP is in power, the party is relying on its governance record to secure another term.

Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder Humayun Kabir, said, "I am 100 per cent confident of win. The Election Commission has made arrangements for counting in Baharampur for five seats, the arrangements are good. Everything should be good. Let's wait for 4-5 hours, everything will be clear by then."

Jebi Mather, a Congress MP, has expressed confidence that the United Democratic Front (UDF) will form the government in Kerala after the 2026 Assembly elections.

Speaking about the party’s chances, she said the results will reflect the people’s will.

"We are very confident that it's going to be a very scintillating victory and that is the wish of the people of Keralam and the decision of the people of Keralam that it should be the Congress-led UDF government that should be in power," she said.

Mather also said the chief minister will be from the Congress, and the final decision will be taken by the elected MLAs and party leadership.

"The CM will be a Congress leader who will be decided by the MLAs and the High Command. We are all waiting for the UDF government and the Congress Chief Minister," she said.

Exit polls have also suggested an advantage for the Congress-led UDF. According to Axis My India, the alliance could win 78 to 90 seats in the 140-member Assembly. It projected 49 to 62 seats for the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and 0 to 3 seats for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

People’s Pulse estimated 75 to 85 seats for the UDF and 55 to 60 for the LDF, while the NDA may get 0 to 3 seats. JVC projected 72 to 84 seats for the UDF, 52 to 60 for the LDF, and 3 to 8 for the NDA.

Kerala voted in a single phase on April 9, with a turnout of 78.27 per cent.

In the 2021 elections, the LDF had won 99 out of 140 seats, breaking the state’s trend of changing governments every five years. Pinarayi Vijayan had then returned as Chief Minister for a second term.

Counting of votes will begin today at 8:00 am with postal ballots, followed by EVM counting at 8:30 am. Results will be updated in real time on ECINET and the official election portal.

Ahead of counting for the West Bengal assembly elections 2026, Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, the CPM candidate from Jadavpur, expressed hope of a strong performance by the Left and called for change, citing public discontent with the government.

"It is the result day today. I am hopeful of the Left having performed well this time...There should be a change. Common people are upset with the Govt. Let's see what the results would be..."

On the repoll in Falta scheduled for May 21, he alleged irregularities and raised questions over the role of poll officials.

"Corrupt practices were adopted in Falta. It shows that the Election Commission officers were also involved...If Election Commission officers get involved too, what can we say..."

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, hours before counting begins for the high-stakes West Bengal verdict, urged party workers to remain vigilant and guard strong rooms, alleging attempts to tamper with the electoral process.

"Be alert. Keep watch. Stay awake at night. Lodge complaints. I'm receiving reports from various places that load-shedding is being deliberately imposed. From Hooghly's Serampore, Nadia’s Krishnanagar, to Burdwan’s Ausgram, and Kolkata’s Kshudiram Anushilan Kendra, such incidents have come to light where load-shedding is being done in phases, CCTV is being switched off, and vehicles are moving to and fro in the strong rooms. I am calling upon the party workers: just as I am staying up all night to keep an eye on everything, you too stay up all night and guard the people's votes in the strong rooms. If anyone creates any suspicious situation anywhere, surround them, lodge complaints immediately, and demand CCTV footage. All of this is being done at the behest of the BJP."

The scale of voter participation indicates the significance of these elections. West Bengal recorded turnout over 91%, among its highest ever, while Tamil Nadu saw participation rise to around 85.1%. Assam logged nearly 86%, Kerala held steady at about 80%, and Puducherry touched roughly 90%.

These figures point not to voter fatigue, but to a deeply engaged and politically charged electorate.

Yet high turnout remains an ambiguous signal. It can reflect anti-incumbency, but equally, it may indicate strong mobilisation by ruling parties. It could signal enthusiasm for new entrants or the consolidation of traditional vote banks.

In 2026, it seems to capture all of these dynamics at once — which is precisely why the outcome remains difficult to call, even as counting day approaches.

Across states, several high-profile contests are in focus, involving chief ministers and prominent leaders.

These battles are expected to influence broader political narratives.

On paper, the 2026 Assembly elections appear routine: five regions, 824 seats, and familiar political players vying for power. West Bengal (294 seats), Tamil Nadu (234), Kerala (140), Assam (126), and Puducherry (30) together make up a sizeable — though not unprecedented — electoral exercise. But this is far from a routine cycle; its timing adds a sharper political edge.

As of May 3, 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is in power across 21 of India’s 31 states and Union Territories. The regions that have just voted — particularly in the South and East — remain among the last major areas where the BJP has yet to fully consolidate its presence, turning these elections into a crucial test of its geographic expansion.

The chief minister’s leadership is under focus as the ruling alliance aims to retain power.

Key constituencies and close contests could determine whether the NDA strengthens its position or faces resistance.

West Bengal heads into verdict day on Monday after more than a month of intense campaigning, with all eyes on whether the Trinamool Congress (TMC) retains power or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) scripts a historic first victory in the state.

As counting of votes begins at 8 am with the opening of EVMs, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) and the Congress will also be closely tracking the outcome, hoping to regain relevance after their wipeout in the 2021 Assembly elections.

Votes will be counted across 77 centres under tight security, with results to be declared for 293 of the 294 seats in the Assembly.

The Election Commission of India had countermanded polling in the Falta constituency in South 24 Parganas, citing “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process” during voting. Fresh polling there is scheduled for May 21, with counting on May 24.

Polling in the state concluded on April 29 after a two-phase election, recording a voter turnout of 92.47 per cent — the highest since Independence, according to the poll panel.

Repolling in 15 booths in South 24 Parganas wrapped up on Saturday, registering nearly 87 per cent turnout, officials said.

Despite the end of voting, the political atmosphere has remained highly charged, fuelling anticipation ahead of the results, with both the TMC and the BJP expressing confidence in securing victory.

From Bengal’s intense political battle to Tamil Nadu’s evolving contest, today’s results will determine whether established political patterns hold or shift.

The outcomes are expected to have far-reaching implications for regional and national politics.

Exit polls have largely projected an advantage for the BJP-led alliance, though opposition parties remain hopeful of narrowing the gap in Upper Assam and minority-dominated regions. Key leaders in focus include chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal and Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi.

Constituencies such as Jalukbari, Jorhat, Nazira, Sivasagar and Dispur are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the final outcome. The verdict will determine whether the BJP can further consolidate its dominance in the Northeast or face a stronger opposition challenge.

In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee is aiming for a fourth straight term amid a fierce challenge from the BJP.

The campaign saw high tensions, voter roll controversies and heavy deployment of security forces, making this one of the most closely watched contests.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s entry has introduced a new dynamic, especially among younger voters.

Even a modest performance could influence outcomes by redistributing vote shares across constituencies.

Kerala’s long-standing cycle of alternating governments is under scrutiny.

The outcome will reveal whether the ruling LDF retains power or if the UDF stages a return in line with past trends.

Most projections indicate a comfortable edge for the ruling alliance, though opposition parties remain hopeful.

The final results will show whether these trends hold true.

Constituencies such as Bhowanipore, Jalukbari, Kolathur and Nemom are among those being closely watched.

Results from these seats could significantly influence the final tally.

The results will determine whether incumbent governments retain power or if voters opt for change.

Each state presents a unique political dynamic.

In Puducherry, the ruling NDA is seeking to retain power, with key contests likely to shape the final outcome.

Leadership battles in prominent constituencies are drawing attention.

With narrow margins expected across constituencies, even small shifts in vote share could influence the final result.

The state remains one of the most competitive battlegrounds.

In Assam, the key question is whether the BJP-led NDA can secure a third consecutive term.

The Congress is hoping for a comeback, making this a direct contest with significant political implications.

The state’s political landscape is witnessing a shift from a bipolar contest to a more complex three-way fight.

The results will reveal whether the ruling alliance retains power or if opposition forces and new entrants alter the balance.
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Contesting in alliance with DMK, Congress will hope to make a comeback after being voted out after a single term in 2021.

The previous elections also saw DMK become the second largest party in the Union territory with six seats, giving it leader of opposition post in the assembly.

The two parties contested the recent polls under an arrangement that saw Congress field candidates in 16 constituencies and DMK in 13. The agreement was reached after the last day to file nominations, which meant that several candidates from both parties had already submitted their nomination papers.

Among the grand old party's candidates is former chief minister V Vaithinlingam, who holds the Union territory's only Lok Sabha seat and is the president of the Congress' Puducherry unit.

Counting of votes begins at 8 am across four states and one Union Territory, marking a crucial moment in this election cycle.

With high-stakes contests across regions, early trends are expected soon, but the final picture may take time to emerge as close fights unfold.

One of the biggest stories of the Tamil Nadu election has been the continued strength of women voters, who once again outnumbered male participation in the 2026 assembly polls.

This trend has become increasingly significant in the state, where welfare schemes, household economics, inflation concerns and local governance issues often influence women voters strongly. Political parties across alliances targeted this key voter bloc through campaign promises, subsidies and social welfare messaging.

The question now is whether that higher participation has translated into support for the ruling DMK-led alliance, strengthened AIADMK’s challenge, or opened room for new players like Vijay’s TVK. As counting moves constituency by constituency, results in women-heavy polling regions may offer clues to how one of Tamil Nadu’s most decisive voter segments shaped the final mandate.

Kerala is heading for a closely fought election result as exit polls suggest a neck-and-neck contest between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). The poll of polls gives a slight edge to the UDF with around 70–75 seats in the 140-member Assembly, while the LDF is projected at 60–65 seats, indicating a narrow margin that could swing either way.

However, projections vary significantly across agencies. Most pollsters predicted a setback for the Vijayan government and a UDF comeback in the state, the only state where the Left is in power. According to Axis My India, the UDF is set to secure victory in 78-90 seats, the LDF in 49-62 seats, while the BJP-led NDA is expected to get 0-3 seats.

People’s Pulse projects the UDF at 75-85 seats, the LDF at 55-65, and 0-3 seats for the BJP, while Vote Vibe sees the UDF bagging 70-80 seats, the LDF 58-68, and others (including BJP) at 0-4 seats.

As per People’s Insight, the UDF is expected to get 66-76 seats, the LDF 58-68, and others could get 0-1.

The Thattanchavady Assembly constituency in Puducherry district was the most high-profile electoral battleground in the recent elections, featuring a direct contest between two political heavyweights—incumbent chief minister N Rangasamy and former chief minister V Vaithilingam. Rangasamy is also the sitting legislator from Thattanchavady.

The chief minister also contested from a second seat - Mangalam. He stood from two constituencies in 2021 as well, when he contested from Yanam. However, he lost by just 655 votes to independent candidate Gollapalli Srinivas Ashok, but kept his assembly seat and chief minister's chair by winning Thattanchavady.