New Delhi

It’s a crucial day for the Narendra Modi-led Bhartiya Janata Party and the Trinmool Congress in West Bengal where counting of votes is going on in the 2026 Assembly elections alongside that of Tamil Nadu, Assam, Keralam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

In West Bengal, the pollsters’ predictions have ranged between a comfortable victory for the BJP to a cliff hanger with both the key parties bagging the near same number of seats. However, one common factor in all these exit polls result is the rise of the saffron party in a state where till 15 years ago, the Communists set a record of being in the government for 34 years, the longest tenure in the world.

In West Bengal, the BJP waged a no holds barred battle against Mamata Benerjee alias Didi ‘for misrule and posing threat to national security by aiding the infiltration from Bangladesh”, the latter also fiercely defended her 15-year rule by blaming BJP for “dividing people.”

It arguably was the most fiercely contested battleground, the atmosphere remained charged till the final hours. BJP leader 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."

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: A verbal argument broke out between the counting agents of TMC and BJP outside the counter centre at Sakhawat Memorial School in Bhabanipur assembly constituency.

Counting of votes for 293 Assembly constituencies of the state will begin at 8 AM… pic.twitter.com/cvJOrqHC6i

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026

The BJP has projected confidence in unseating the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), with several leaders claiming that a wave of change is imminent.

On the other side, the TMC has doubled down on its assertion that Mamata Banerjee is headed for a comfortable return. Party leader Kunal Ghosh claimed, "Mamata Banerjee is coming back with more than 200 seats," while also raising concerns about arrangements for counting agents, alleging lack of basic facilities such as food and water.

The Election Commission of India ordered re-polling in all 285 booths of the Falta constituency, citing "severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process," triggering sharp political reactions.

In Tamil Nadu, the political narrative appears relatively predictable, though equally intense. The ruling DMK-led alliance is widely expected to retain power, supported by strong voter turnout and favourable exit polls.

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Congress In-Charge Girish Chodankar expressed confidence that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance would return to power in Tamil Nadu. "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," he said.

Preparations in the state have been meticulous. In Ranipet district, counting arrangements were reviewed at Arignar Anna Government Women's Arts College, with EVMs being sorted constituency-wise. The Election Commission has implemented a three-tier security system and introduced QR code-based identity verification for the first time, ensuring that only authorised personnel can access sensitive areas.

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

#WATCH | Guwahati, Assam | On vote counting and election results, state BJP Vice President Ratna Singh says, "The counting will be taking place tomorrow... Even the exit polls say and we also believe that NDA is going to form the government. All the workers are going to celebrate… pic.twitter.com/hhrufg6zEz

— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2026

Union Minister Piyush Goyal confidently predicted, "In Assam and Puducherry, the BJP will win for sure." However, Opposition voices remain equally assertive. MLA Aminul Islam said, "We are filled with hope that Congress will secure a major victory... People have rejected corruption and placed their trust in a clear face."

The state witnessed high voter turnout, with women outnumbering men at polling booths--a trend that could play a crucial role in the final outcome. The BJP's Himanta Biswa Sarma government has framed the election as a mandate for stability and cultural identity, while the Congress has focused on issues of governance and alleged corruption.

Keralam presents a different kind of contest, where the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is seeking an unprecedented consecutive term. Historically known for alternating governments, Keralam's electorate has shown signs of shifting patterns.

#WATCH | Keralam Elections 2026 | Visuals from the counting centre at Mar Ivanios College campus, where votes for all constituencies in Thiruvananthapuram district will be counted today.

Counting of votes for all 140 Assembly constituencies in the state to begin at 8 am today. pic.twitter.com/kCKqkFcdkW

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026

While exit polls remain divided, Congress and the United Democratic Front (UDF) are hopeful of a comeback. Imran Pratapgarhi emphasised that the BJP would not make inroads in the state, stating, "In none of these five states will a BJP government be formed."

The high voter turnout in Keralam, coupled with strong participation from women voters, indicates a politically engaged electorate. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has praised the smooth conduct of polling, while opposition leaders have raised concerns over the Election Commission's functioning, reflecting a broader national debate.

ALSO READ: West Bengal Polls: In first phase, 152 seats outcome crucial for Mamata, BJP

n Puducherry, though smaller, the contest remains significant. The BJP-led NDA is looking to consolidate its position, while the Congress-DMK alliance aims to regain ground. With one of the highest voter turnout percentages in the country, the electorate has sent a strong signal of engagement.