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Neck-to-Neck fight between in West Bengal
kolkata: Counting of votes under way for 293 seats, as West Bengal heads into verdict day today (May 4, 2026), awaiting with bated breath to see whether the TMC manages to hold on to power or the BJP makes a historic breakthrough and claims the State for the first time.
Meanwhile, the CPI(M) and the Congress will be watching with equal keenness, hoping to reclaim a foothold in the State’s electoral map after five years in the wilderness, following their wipeout in the 2021 polls.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed 165 additional counting observers and 77 police observers ahead of the vote counting for the West Bengal Assembly elections today. This decision comes after several allegations of potential irregularities were raised by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leadership, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, regarding the integrity of the counting process.
The Commission's move highlights the importance of transparency and fairness in the counting process, particularly after a record voter turnout in the state. The first phase of voting, held on April 23, saw an impressive 92.8% voter participation, while the second phase, conducted on April 29, recorded 91.47% - the highest turnout in West Bengal since Independence, according to the State's Chief Electoral Officer.
The counting of votes for a total of 824 assembly seats in 4 states Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala and 1 Union Territory, Puducherry, began on Monday morning.
Counting is underway for 126 seats in Assam, 294 seats in West Bengal (however, counting for the Falta assembly constituency will take place on 24 May following a re-poll scheduled for May 21), 234 seats in Tamil Nadu, 140 seats in Kerala and 30 seats in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
The Election Commission has made tight security arrangements at all counting centres to ensure a smooth and orderly process.
In West Bengal there is a fierce contest between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The political climate has also been charged over the voter roll revision exercise (SIR), which saw a substantial number of names removed.
In Tamil Nadu there is a Three-Way Battle for 234-seat Assembly. Actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has entered the fray, challenging the ruling DMK alliance and the AIADMK-led front backed by the BJP.
In Assam BJP eyes hat-trick. There in Assam with 126 seats at stake, the BJP is aiming to secure a third consecutive term, banking on its previous electoral success in the state.
In Keralam a tight contest is expected.
Kerala’s 140-seat contest remains almost unpredictable. Though, exit polls have indicated a possible edge for the Congress-led United Democratic Front.
In Puducherry ruling AINRC led by N Rangaswamy is seeking another term in the 30-seat Assembly.
