Counting of votes began on May 4, 2026 for the Assembly elections held in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry, bringing a close to one of the year’s biggest electoral exercises. Across the five states and Union Territory, the results will decide whether incumbent alliances retain power or whether voters have opted for change. The process is being watched closely because the outcomes could redraw regional political equations well beyond state boundaries.
In West Bengal, where voting was held for 294 seats across two phases, the contest is between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the BJP. Bengal has become especially significant this year because of the intense fight over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter roll, which removed 89 lakh voters, or about 11.6% of the state’s electorate. Counting is taking place amid speculation that the race could be close, with exit polls suggesting a highly competitive battle.
In Tamil Nadu, where polling was held for all 234 seats, the main contest is triangular. The ruling DMK, allied with Congress and DMDK, faces actor Vijay’s TVK and the AIADMK-BJP-PMK combine. Counting for the state began at 8 am on May 4, and the result is expected to be crucial because it will determine whether the DMK can hold on to power or whether the opposition can make a breakthrough.
Assam, with 126 Assembly seats, is also a major battleground, and the BJP is seeking a third straight term. In Kerala, where voting took place for 140 seats, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is aiming for a third consecutive government, though several exit polls had projected a Congress-led UDF lead. In Puducherry, where 30 seats went to the polls, N. Rangaswamy’s AINRC is hoping for another term in office.
By the end of the day, the broad shape of India’s regional political map will become clear, with counting trends expected to arrive within the first few hours. The results will not just decide state governments, but also signal the mood of the electorate in a year of high political competition across the country.
Here Are The LIVE Updates on West Bengal Elections 2026 Result:Â
