Counting of votes for the assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry begins at 8 am on May 4, 2026. The results will determine the political landscape across these regions, with West Bengal drawing the most attention due to a high-stakes contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
West Bengal: TMC vs BJP in High-Stakes Battle
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's TMC seeks a fourth consecutive term, while the BJP mounted an aggressive campaign. The election saw controversies over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), heavy central force deployment, and sporadic violence. Exit polls are divided, with some predicting a BJP edge, others a reduced TMC victory, and a few forecasting a hung assembly. Key constituencies include Bhowanipore, Nandigram, Noapara, Tollygunge, and Rashbehari.
Tamil Nadu: DMK, AIADMK, and TVK in Three-Cornered Contest
The electoral contest in Tamil Nadu focuses on whether the DMK retains power, the AIADMK stages a comeback, or actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) disrupts traditional politics. Most exit polls project an edge for the DMK alliance, but the state has a history of late swings. Key constituencies include Kolathur, Chepauk, Tiruchirappalli East, Perambur, and Edappadi.
Assam: NDA Aims for Third Term
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) seeks a third consecutive term in Assam, while the Congress hopes for a comeback. The campaign saw sharp exchanges, including questions over Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife's passport. Exit polls project a BJP advantage. Key constituencies include Jalukbari, Jorhat, Nazira, Sivasagar, and Dispur.
Kerala: LDF vs UDF in Alternating Cycle Test
Kerala's election will test its alternating pattern between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF). Exit polls indicate a close contest with a slight edge to the UDF, while the LDF hopes to retain power for a third term. The BJP-led NDA aims to expand its footprint. Key constituencies include Nemom, Thrissur, Vattiyoorkavu, Puthuppally, and Konni.
Puducherry: NDA Seeks Second Term
In Puducherry, the ruling NDA, led by the All India NR Congress, aims for a second consecutive term. Chief Minister N. Rangasamy faces a strong challenge in Thattanchavady. Exit polls suggest a comfortable lead for the NDA. Counting will take place at six centres across the Union Territory.
Overall Significance
The results will reveal whether established political patterns hold or shift. From West Bengal's high-stakes contest to Tamil Nadu's evolving dynamics, Assam's incumbency test, Kerala's alternating cycle, and Puducherry's leadership battle, the outcomes will shape regional politics. Counting begins at 8 am, with results expected throughout the day.
