New Delhi

The grand festival of democracy in five Indian states and a Union Territory has reached its final stage. As the last phase of voting concluded on Wednesday evening, attention across the country shifted to television screens.

The fate of West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry in the 2026 Assembly elections is now sealed in electronic voting machines (EVMs). Exit poll projections released by various agencies have stirred intense political activity. While some forecasts संकेत a possible change in power, others suggest the return of familiar faces.

Tight contest in Bengal: Will Mamata’s stronghold fall?

Politics in West Bengal has always been dynamic. This time, exit polls point to a close fight between Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Agencies like Chanakya Strategies and Matrize suggest that the BJP could gain the upper hand. According to Chanakya, the BJP may secure 150–160 seats, crossing the majority mark, while the Trinamool Congress may be limited to 130–140 seats.

Poll Diary’s estimates are even more favourable for the BJP, projecting up to 171 seats. On the other hand, People’s Plus offers relief to Mamata Banerjee’s supporters, predicting a strong comeback for the TMC with around 187 seats. With nearly 90 percent voter turnout in the state, it is evident that voters participated enthusiastically, either seeking significant change or expressing strong confidence.

Will the BJP retain Assam?

In Assam, often called the gateway to the Northeast, exit polls suggest a clear advantage for the BJP-led NDA. Both Axis My India and JVC estimate the BJP’s tally between 88 and 101 seats. With 126 total seats, the majority mark stands at 64. The Congress had formed a broad six-party alliance, but projections suggest it may remain around 30 seats.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed confidence that his party will cross the 100-seat mark. A voter turnout of over 85 percent indicates strong public participation, likely driven by issues of development and identity.

Stalin holds strong in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin appears to maintain a firm grip. Most exit polls predict a decisive victory for the DMK-led alliance. According to People’s Plus, the DMK could win around 145 seats, while the opposition AIADMK is expected to remain below 80 seats.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay has also made his electoral debut with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Some surveys give the party around 6 seats, while People Insight projects a much stronger performance of up to 40 seats. If that happens, Vijay could emerge as a key power broker in the state.

Kerala may return to its old pattern

Kerala has traditionally witnessed a change of government every five years. Although the Left Democratic Front (LDF) broke this trend in 2021, exit polls for 2026 indicate a possible return to the earlier pattern. Axis My India projects that the Congress-led UDF could win up to 90 seats.

This could deal a major setback to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s government. The BJP is also attempting to expand its presence in the state, but most surveys place it between zero and three seats.

Close contest in Puducherry

The 30-seat Assembly in Puducherry has also witnessed a tight contest. Exit polls suggest an edge for the NDA, although the presence of smaller parties and new entrants could influence the final outcome.

While exit poll predictions have heightened political excitement, the final verdict will only be known on May 4. Whether Mamata Banerjee secures a fourth term or the BJP achieves a historic breakthrough in West Bengal remains to be seen. Similarly, it will become clear whether Himanta Biswa Sarma retains Assam, whether Congress stages a comeback in Kerala, and whether Stalin holds on to power in Tamil Nadu.

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For now, all parties are claiming victory, while voters await the final results with anticipation.