Counting for 824 assembly seats across four states and one union territory begins on May 4, with close contests expected in key regions.
As counting begins on May 4, voters across four states and one union territory are set to learn the outcome of a high-stakes electoral contest covering more than 800 assembly seats. The results will determine governments in key regions, with closely fought battles expected in several states.
Vote counting is scheduled to begin at 8 am, with early trends expected within 1–2 hours and final results likely by evening. The exercise will cover a total of 824 assembly seats across India, including West Bengal (293 of 294 seats), Tamil Nadu (234 seats), Kerala (140 seats), Assam (126 seats), and Puducherry (30 seats).
Ahead of the counting, the states are bracing for the verdict.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 | Visuals from Jamal Mohamed College in Tiruchirappalli, where the counting of votes for the Tiruchirappalli West, Tiruchirappalli East, Thiruverumbur, Manapparai, and Srirangam Assembly constituencies is scheduled to begin at 8:00 AM.… pic.twitter.com/mUofbu7fM6
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026
West Bengal: TMC-BJP contest
In West Bengal, the result for one seat, Falta, will not be declared on Monday as it will undergo repolling on May 21, with counting set for May 24.
In West Bengal, the contest is expected to centre on a direct face-off between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The key question remains whether the incumbent can retain power or if the BJP can secure a significant breakthrough.
The state recorded a voter turnout of 92.47 per cent, the highest since Independence, with 93.19 per cent in phase 1 and 91.66 per cent in phase 2. Exit polls suggest a close contest, with some giving the BJP a slight edge while others point to a narrow TMC advantage or a hung assembly.
Tamil Nadu contest features DMK, AIADMK and Vijay factor
In Tamil Nadu, the primary battle is between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), alongside efforts by the BJP to expand its presence. Actor-turned-politician Vijay, through his party TVK, has added a new dimension to the contest.
The final voter turnout stood at 84.69 per cent. Exit polls largely indicate an advantage for the DMK-led alliance, although margins appear limited, with some projections suggesting TVK could secure 98-120 seats in its debut.
Kerala witnesses triangular battle
In Kerala, the election has seen a three-way contest between the LDF, UDF and NDA. The outcome hinges on whether the LDF can secure another term or if the UDF can return to power amid anti-incumbency. The state recorded a voter turnout of 78.27 per cent. Exit polls indicate a closely fought race with no clear dominance by any single alliance.
Assam sees BJP defending its ground
In Assam, the BJP faces a challenge in retaining power as opposition alliances attempt to capitalise on local issues and voter sentiment. The final turnout ranged between 85.38 and 85.91 per cent. Exit polls suggest the BJP-led alliance remains ahead, though with narrower margins compared to previous elections.
Puducherry contest remains tight
In Puducherry, the contest between the NDA and the Congress-led alliance is expected to be closely fought. Local dynamics are likely to play a significant role in determining the outcome in the union territory’s 30 seats.
First Published:
May 04, 2026, 08:03 IST
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