The Election Commission of India began counting votes for state assembly elections across five key regions at 8 a.m. IST on May 4, 2026 [1].
These elections determine the political leadership in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. The results will signal shifts in the political balance of these states and potentially impact the broader national landscape.
A total of 824 seats were contested across the five states [4]. In West Bengal, the legislative assembly consists of 294 seats [5]. Voter engagement remained high during the polling phases, with West Bengal recording a Phase-1 turnout of 91.35% [3]. Tamil Nadu saw a voter turnout of 84.29% [2].
Exit polls provided conflicting projections for the outcomes in two of the most contested states. In Tamil Nadu, the Times of India said that the DMK-led alliance is set to retain the state. However, Firstpost said that the TVK could emerge as the single-largest party in a rare three-way contest.
Similar uncertainty surrounds West Bengal. The Hindustan Times said that most exit polls projected a narrow BJP majority in the 294-seat House [5]. Conversely, Firstpost said a close fight existed between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress, stating that no clear majority was projected.
The Election Commission is responsible for the counting and official announcement of the results [1]. Live updates on seats, leads, and trends continue as the tallies are finalized across the various constituencies.
“Counting of votes began at 8 a.m. IST on May 4, 2026”
The 2026 elections serve as a critical barometer for regional party strength and the viability of new political entrants, such as the TVK in Tamil Nadu. Discrepancies between major exit polls suggest a highly volatile electoral environment where narrow margins in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu could lead to coalition governments or unexpected power shifts.
