Early results from the 2026 state assembly elections show actor Vijay's party leading in Tamil Nadu and the BJP dominating West Bengal.

These results signal a major shift in regional power dynamics across southern and eastern India, marking the successful political debut of a cinema star and a breakthrough for the BJP in a critical state.

In Tamil Nadu, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by Vijay, is leading in over 100 seats [1]. This performance places the party ahead of the AIADMK-led alliance, which is currently leading in over 71 seats [1]. The surge for TVK represents a significant disruption to the established two-party system in the state.

In West Bengal, early trends indicate a strong majority for the BJP. Reports vary on the exact count, with some trends showing the party leading in over 193 seats [1], while other live updates from the Election Commission of India place the lead at over 130 seats [3]. Despite the range, the data suggests the BJP has crossed the majority mark in the state [3].

Kerala is also seeing a political reversal as the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) stages a comeback. The UDF has crossed the halfway mark of 71 seats in the state [3].

These combined shifts reflect a broader volatility in the 2026 electoral cycle. While the BJP expands its footprint in the east, the rise of TVK in the south suggests that celebrity influence continues to play a pivotal role in regional governance. The UDF's return in Kerala further complicates the political landscape for the incumbent administration.

“Vijay's TVK is leading in over 100 seats in Tamil Nadu.”

The 2026 results indicate a fragmentation of traditional power blocks. The BJP's success in West Bengal suggests an erosion of the regional stronghold previously held by the Trinamool Congress, while Vijay's TVK has successfully converted cinematic popularity into legislative power. The UDF's resurgence in Kerala highlights a cyclical return to Congress-led coalitions in the south.