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Suvendu Adhikari leads Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur

In a closely watched contest in West Bengal’s Bhabanipur constituency, opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari has moved ahead of chief minister Mamata Banerjee in the ongoing vote count.

Until around 7:45pm local time, Adhikari was leading Banerjee by 2,956 votes.

Early trends showed Mamata ahead, but Adhikari gradually narrowed the gap through the afternoon.

Both candidates were briefly present at the counting centre. By evening, reports indicated that Adhikari had taken the lead, after which Mamata left the counting centre.

Adhikari is also contesting from Nandigram, where he has defeated the Trinamool Congress candidate by a margin of around 10,000 votes.

In the 2021 West Bengal assembly election, Nandigram saw a high-profile contest between Mamata and Adhikari, which Adhikari won by 1,956 votes.

This time, Mamata is contesting only from Bhabanipur, making the outcome crucial for her continued presence in the state assembly.

BJP set to form government in West Bengal for first time

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won 147 of the 293 declared seats in the West Bengal assembly election, paving the way for its first-ever government in the state.

The result marks the end of around 15 years of rule by chief minister Mamata Banerjee, and her party, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Voting in the 294-seat assembly was held in two phases on Apr 23 and 29, recording a turnout of 93 percent, described as one of the highest in India.

Polling in the Falta constituency in South 24 Parganas was cancelled due to allegations of irregularities, and will be held again on May 21. 

Vote counting began at 8am on Monday, with early trends reflecting exit poll predictions of a BJP victory.

Despite expanding its presence across several Indian states, the BJP had previously struggled in West Bengal, a stronghold of Mamata.

I bow to each and every person of West Bengal: Modi

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has posted a message on social media as the Bharatiya Janata Party appears set for a decisive victory in the West Bengal assembly elections.

“The Lotus blooms in West Bengal!”, he wrote on X, showing his gratitude by “bowing” to the people of West Bengal.

Source: X/narendramodi

The Lotus blooms in West Bengal!

The 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections will be remembered forever. People's power has prevailed and BJP's politics of good governance has triumphed. I bow to each and every person of West Bengal.

The people have given a spectacular mandate to…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2026

BJP leads in West Bengal vote count

The Bharatiya Janata Party is leading in around two-thirds of seats after nine hours of vote counting in the West Bengal assembly elections.

According to the latest data from the Election Commission of India, the BJP has won eight seats and is ahead in 190 others.

The All India Trinamool Congress, which has governed the state for the past three terms, has secured one seat and is leading in 88 constituencies.

Of the 294 seats in the assembly, results for 293 seats are being counted after polling in one constituency was postponed. A party needs at least 147 seats to form the government.

State Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari said Hindus across Bengal had united and backed Narendra Modi’s development agenda, expressing confidence that the BJP would form the next government with a clear majority.

Source: bdnews24.com

Uneasy calm outside Mamata Banerjee’s Kolkata residence

A subdued mood prevails in Kalighat, the area around West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence, as early trends show a strong BJP lead.

Unlike past elections, the streets are quiet, with limited TMC presence and no usual post-poll celebrations.

BJP supporters were seen passing through on motorbikes with party flags, while TMC workers largely stayed away from public view.

Some locals told BBC Bangla that voters had “betrayed” Mamata despite her welfare-driven governance.

Mamata, who had earlier projected over 226 seats for her party, has urged workers to monitor counting centres closely and alleged slow counting in a late video message, saying trends could still shift.

Source: BBC

Two seats declared in West Bengal as counting continues

The Election Commission has formally declared results for two of West Bengal’s 293 assembly seats.

According to Anandabazar, BJP candidate Saikat Panja has won the Monteswar seat by over 14,000 votes.

In Bhagabangola, TMC candidate Reyat Hossain Sarkar secured victory with a margin of more than 56,000 votes.

Election Commission data shows the BJP leading in 194 seats and the Trinamool Congress in 91 as the broader trend holds across the state.

Vijayan leads in Dharmadam, but Kerala power shift looms

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is ahead in his Dharmadam constituency, but broader trends point to a possible setback for his Left Democratic Front (LDF).

The 81-year-old Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader has overseen the state through crises including the Covid pandemic and major floods, earning a reputation for strong governance.

Anti-incumbency appears to be weighing on the LDF, with early trends giving an edge to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).

Vijayan had been seeking a rare third consecutive term after breaking Kerala’s long-standing cycle of alternating governments in 2021.

If the LDF loses power, it would mark the first time in decades that the Left would be out of government in any Indian state, raising wider questions about its political future.

Source: BBC

West Bengal sees 30% counting completed by 1:30pm

Only 30.03 percent of votes have been counted in the West Bengal Assembly election by 1:30pm, according to the Election Commission.

The ruling Trinamool Congress has raised concerns over the pace of counting.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged delays and irregularities, claiming early rounds favour BJP figures being shown first while TMC numbers appear later.

She also alleged that counting has been halted in around 100 centres in parts of the state and pointed to alleged discrepancies involving voting machines in Kalyani.

By 2:55pm, trends showed the BJP ahead in 192 seats, while the Trinamool Congress was leading in 96.

Mood upbeat at BJP office in Bengal counting update

The BJP office in West Bengal is witnessing a festive atmosphere as the party maintains a strong lead in assembly vote counting.

Sweets are being distributed at the party office in Kolkata, while workers and supporters are also enjoying Jhalmuri, a popular Bengali street snack made of puffed rice mixed with spices, mustard oil, onion and chilli.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier eaten Jhalmuri during campaign visits in Jhargram, West Bengal, a moment he later shared on social media that went viral.

The same snack is now being distributed at the BJP office as counting trends continue to favour the party.

West Bengal bans victory rallies during vote counting

The Election Commission has barred victory rallies and political gatherings across West Bengal during vote counting to maintain law and order.

Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal has directed district administrations not to permit any victory processions while counting is under way.

He said rallies may be allowed on Tuesday only under standard rules and with prior approval from local police stations.

Agarwal also expressed satisfaction over the overall situation, saying this was the first election in the state’s history where no major violence was reported during polling and counting day.

Source: Hindustan Times

Clashes reported in Cooch Behar, Barrackpore during counting

Clashes have broken out between BJP and Trinamool Congress supporters in Dinhata of Cooch Behar amid vote counting.

Central forces intervened and used batons to bring the situation under control.

#WATCH | West Bengal | Clash erupts between BJP and TMC workers in Cooch Behar's Dinhata, Central Forces personnel resort to lathi-charge pic.twitter.com/1UyxSq7KEN

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026

In Barrackpore, a separate clash was reported at the State Guru Surendranath counting centre, with security personnel present at the scene.
 

#WATCH | Barrackpore, North 24 Parganas: A scuffle broke out at Barrackpore Rastraguru Surendranath counting centre in West Bengal

Security personnel are present at the scene. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/h5a94Bpt3j

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026

Source: Hindustan Times, X/ ANI

BJP leads in 195 seats in West Bengal, TMC at 92

The BJP has surged ahead in around two-thirds of seats in West Bengal as counting continues, pointing to a dominant position in the race.

According to the Election Commission of India website, the BJP is leading in 195 seats, while Trinamool Congress is ahead in 92. No final results have been declared.

Indian media outlets also show the BJP leading in most constituencies.

Anandabazar reports the BJP ahead in 192 seats, with TMC in 95.

Hindustan Times puts the BJP at 198 seats and TMC at 78.

NDTV shows the BJP ahead in 195 seats, with TMC at 92.

Of 294 seats, results from 293 will be declared on Monday as counting for one seat has been postponed. A party needs 147 seats to form government.

NDA set for Assam hat-trick, tight race in Puducherry

The BJP-led NDA is heading for a third straight win in Assam, while Puducherry is witnessing a close contest.

By midday, the NDA was ahead in 97 of 126 seats in Assam, with Congress and its allies leading in 27, according to NDTV.

The outcome has largely been anticipated, with Himanta Biswa Sarma expected to retain the chief minister’s post if the NDA secures victory.

In Puducherry, the NDA holds a narrow edge but faces a strong push from the INDIA bloc.

Of 30 seats counted so far, the AINRC-led NDA is ahead in 15 seats, while Congress and its allies lead in 11.

AINRC chief and two-time chief minister N Rangaswamy is trailing in his own seat.

The NDA had also won the previous two assembly elections in the union territory.

Latest trends: BJP in front in West Bengal, Assam

Early trends across India show BJP ahead in key states, while contests remain tight in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.
West Bengal: BJP leads in over 193 seats, while TMC is ahead in 96. A majority requires 148 seats in the 294-member House.
Tamil Nadu: Vijay’s TVK leads in around 110 seats, followed by AIADMK in 64 and ruling DMK in 60. The majority mark is 118 in the 234-seat assembly.
Assam: BJP leads in over 98 seats, with Congress ahead in around 26 of 126 seats. A majority requires 64.
Kerala: Congress-led alliance is ahead in over 101 seats, while the CPI(M)-led front leads in around 37 of 140 seats. The majority mark is 71.
Puducherry: BJP-led alliance is ahead in 16 seats, while Congress-led grouping leads in 11 of 33 seats. A majority requires 17.

Source: BBC

Slogans outside Mamata office as BJP leads Bengal count

#WATCH | West Bengal Elections 2026 | BJP workers raise slogans of 'Jai Shree Ram' outside the residence of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/mkJmm12dVm

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026

Source: X/ ANI

Kerala trends point to Congress resurgence, Left’s third term bid falters

Early counting in Kerala shows a revival for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) appears set to fall short of a third straight term.

By around 12:30pm local time, UDF candidates were ahead in 85 of 140 seats, crossing the 71-seat majority mark needed to form government.

The LDF, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), is ahead in 39 seats, while the BJP and allies are leading in 3 seats.

Within the UDF, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has delivered a strong showing, with its candidates ahead in 23 of the 27 seats it is contesting.

The trends have triggered celebrations within the UDF camp, with Congress leaders calling it a “victory for the people” in social media posts.

In the 2016 and 2021 elections, the LDF had won with comfortable margins, while the UDF last formed government in 2011 after a closely fought contest.

Mamata Banerjee issues urgent video message amid early trends

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a “urgent” Facebook video message as early counting trends show the Trinamool Congress trailing in the state election.

She urged party workers, counting agents and candidates not to leave counting centres, calling the situation part of what she described as a “BJP plan”.

Mamata said early rounds of counting were showing misleading figures and alleged irregularities in the process, including disruptions in several areas and issues with voting machines in one constituency.

She also alleged bias in the handling of results and claimed that central forces were being used against her party, while state police were working under their direction.

Mamata said results would change in later rounds of counting and urged supporters not to lose confidence, adding that Trinamool would ultimately emerge victorious.

Mamata setback could reshape West Bengal politics

Trends suggest a shock setback for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a development that could mark a major political shift in the state.

The 71-year-old, known as “Didi” and leader of the Trinamool Congress, has dominated West Bengal politics since 2011, when her party ended decades of Left rule.

This time, she faces a stronger and more organised challenge from the BJP, turning the contest into a closely watched political battle.

Exit polls had already indicated a tight race, with the TMC also facing allegations of corruption, violence and growing anti-incumbency after more than a decade in power.

Trends also show Banerjee trailing in her Bhabanipur constituency, where she is contesting against BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari.

A loss would represent a historic shift in West Bengal politics, though results are still early and may change as counting continues.

Source: BBC

Tight security outside Vijay’s party office in Chennai

Heavy security is in place outside the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam office in Chennai as early trends show actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay’s party taking the lead in the state election.

Police have set up strict checks on approach roads, screening everyone including party workers and volunteers, with only limited entry allowed inside the premises.

Election Commission trends show TVK ahead in around 106 of 234 seats, while 118 seats are needed for a majority.

Supporters have gathered outside in large numbers, with celebrations building over the possibility of the party forming the next government. 

Some have even flown in from abroad to show support.

Source: BBC

Wind in BJP’s sails as leads build up

Early counting trends in the West Bengal assembly election show the BJP taking a clear lead, raising the possibility of its first government formation in the state bordering Bangladesh.

According to the latest figures on the Election Commission of India website, the BJP is ahead in 168 seats, while the Trinamool Congress is leading in 82, with no final results declared yet.

Indian media outlets also report a strong BJP lead across most constituencies as counting progresses.

Anandabazar reports the BJP ahead in 179 seats compared with 107 for the Trinamool Congress, based on current vote trends.

Hindustan Times places the BJP ahead in 167 seats, while Trinamool leads in 99.

NDTV’s projection shows the BJP ahead in 198 seats and the Trinamool Congress in 92.

Modi likely to visit BJP headquarters

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the BJP headquarters in New Delhi at 6.30pm local time to join party celebrations following the election results.

He is also expected to address party workers as counting trends and outcomes become clearer.

Source: India Today

India vote count: key developments across states

•    Trends show Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP leading in Assam and West Bengal, while contests remain tight in Tamil Nadu and Kerala

•    Votes are being counted across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam, as well as the union territory of Puducherry

•    In Assam, early trends point to a strong BJP performance as the party seeks to retain power

•    West Bengal remains a key battleground, with BJP ahead in early trends; a win would mark a major political shift for the state

•    In Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is emerging as a significant force, leading in several seats

•    The state’s traditional DMK–AIADMK dominance is under pressure amid TVK’s strong showing

•    In Kerala, an opposition alliance led by the Congress party is ahead in early counting

•    The overall results are being seen as an important political test for the BJP ahead of the 2029 general election

•    Counting continues through the day, with clearer outcomes expected as more rounds are completed

Source: BBC

Celebrations in BJP camp as leads grow in Bengal trends

VIDEO | West Bengal Election Results: Celebrations outside BJP office in Kolkata as trends show party leading in state.#WestBengalPollResults2026 #Results2026WithPTI #AssemblyElectionResults2026

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/36QM56lSg3

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 4, 2026

Source: X/ Press Trust of India

BJP widens lead

The BJP is strengthening its position in West Bengal assembly counting, widening its lead over Trinamool Congress as trends shift.

According to the Election Commission of India website, the BJP is ahead in 117 seats, while Trinamool Congress leads in 70. No final results have been declared.

Indian media outlets also show the BJP ahead in most constituencies.

Anandabazar reports the BJP ahead in 157 seats, with Trinamool in 125.

Hindustan Times puts the BJP at 150 seats and Trinamool at 107.

NDTV shows the BJP ahead in 184 seats, with Trinamool at 107.

BBC Bangla reports the BJP ahead in 150 seats and Trinamool in 125.

The numbers point to a possible first-ever BJP government in the state, with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari claiming the party will form a government.

Supporters gather outside Bhabanipur counting centre

Vote counting for the high-profile Bhabanipur constituency is under way at Sakhawat Memorial School in Kolkata, West Bengal, with tight security arrangements in place.

Supporters of both the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress and the BJP have gathered outside the counting centre since early morning.

Access to the counting centre remains restricted as security forces maintain a cordon around the area.
 

Source: BBC Bangla

Superstar leads in Tamil Nadu early trends

Actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay is ahead in early counting trends in Tamil Nadu.

His entry has disrupted a contest long dominated by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and AIADMK All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the state’s two main regional parties that have alternated in power for decades.

The campaign has drawn strong youth support, driven by frustration over corruption, dynastic politics and job prospects.

Many voters say they identify more with his party’s “Whistle” symbol than individual candidates.

Trends remain early, with final results yet to be declared.

Source: BBC

BJP leads in most West Bengal seats

The BJP is ahead in a majority of seats in West Bengal as counting continues, according to the Election Commission of India website.

The latest data shows the BJP leading in 56 seats, while Trinamool Congress is ahead in 38 seats. No final results have been declared.

Indian media outlets also report the BJP leading in most constituencies.

Anandabazar says the BJP is ahead in 130 seats, with Trinamool leading in 125.

Hindustan Times reports the BJP ahead in 155 seats and Trinamool in 66.

NDTV puts the BJP ahead in 172 seats, with Trinamool leading in 112.

BBC Bangla reports the BJP ahead in 150 seats, while Trinamool leads in 125.

Mamata leads in Bhabanipur

Mamata Banerjee is ahead in Bhabanipur after the first round of counting in the West Bengal Assembly election.

She has polled 3,666 votes, leading BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who has 1,670 votes, by 1,996 votes.

Bhabanipur is the most closely watched seat in this election, with both leaders facing each other directly after their 2021 Nandigram clash, where Adhikari had won.

The contest is seen as rare in West Bengal politics, with a chief minister and opposition leader going head to head.

Counting is under way at Sakhawat Memorial School in south Kolkata.

Congress ‘confident’ of win in Assam

Congress candidate Santanu Bora from New Guwahati says he is confident his party will win as vote counting continues.

Source: NDTV

Why is the Muslim vote critical in Bengal?

Muslim voters are central to West Bengal’s electoral maths, making up about 27 percent of the population.

They are concentrated in districts such as Murshidabad, Malda, Uttar Dinajpur and parts of south Bengal.

Of 294 seats, around 88 have a Muslim population above 30 percent, making the bloc decisive.

In 2021, Trinamool Congress won 75 of 85 such seats, showing strong consolidation behind Mamata Banerjee.

For the BJP, the path to power depends on weakening this base while consolidating Hindu votes.

Campaigns have focused on infiltration, border districts and demographic change.

The issue has sharpened this time, with critics saying voter roll revision has disproportionately affected Muslim voters.

Source: BBC

What’s at stake for BJP in Bengal

For India’s ruling BJP, West Bengal has long remained an unfinished political project, with ambitions dating back to the late 1980s under leaders like LK Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Winning the state would go beyond adding another regional government. It would give the party a strong foothold in eastern India and signal its transformation into a truly nationwide force.

Bengal also carries symbolic weight, shaped by liberal thought, Left politics and strong regional identity.

A victory would validate years of political investment, polarised campaigning and organisational growth, reinforcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dominance into a third term.

Source: BBC

BJP leads in early West Bengal trends

The BJP is leading in early trends in West Bengal, according to the latest data from the Election Commission of India.

The figures show the BJP ahead in three seats, Trinamool Congress in one, and the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) in one. No final results have been declared yet.

Indian media outlets are also reporting a BJP lead in most constituencies.

Anandabazar says the BJP is ahead in 105 seats, while Trinamool is leading in 103 based on current trends.

Hindustan Times reports the BJP ahead in 46 seats to Trinamool’s 24.

NDTV puts the BJP ahead in 154 seats, with Trinamool leading in 121.

Voter list row

Voter list revision has dominated West Bengal’s election, influencing the contest as results are awaited.

Mamata Banerjee, in power since 2011, is fighting to retain her stronghold.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has sparked rare controversy, with Trinamool Congress accusing the BJP of trying to exclude minority Muslim voters.

Before the revision, the electorate stood at around 76 to 77 million. Around 8.3 to 9.1 million names were later removed, cutting the total by roughly 10 to 12 percent to about 64 to 68 million.

Reports say turnout has surged, with over three million more votes cast than in 2021, setting a record.
Focus has centred on whether minority backing for Trinamool has shifted, whether Hindu voters have consolidated behind the BJP, and the role of women voters.

The direction of the vote is expected to become clearer later in the day.

Vote counting under way in 3 more states

Vote counting is under way in three other Indian states as well, with results expected later on Monday.

Alongside West Bengal, counting has begun in Assam, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, as well as the union territory of Puducherry.

Early indications point to close contests between rival parties in these regions.

Record turnout, who wins Bengal?

West Bengal has recorded close to 90 percent turnout across its two-phase election, with unusually high voter participation drawing wide attention.

In the 294-seat assembly, 148 seats are needed for a majority. 

In 2021, the Trinamool Congress won 215 seats, while the BJP emerged as the opposition with 77.

This time, the BJP has pushed strongly to expand its base, aiming for a breakthrough in the state.

Exit polls show mixed signals, with some favouring the BJP and others pointing to a close contest between the two main rivals.

How the votes are being counted

Counting is under way in the 294-seat West Bengal Assembly election, with the main contest between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Voting was held in two phases on Apr 23 and Apr 29, with results now being processed across 77 counting centres and 458 halls.

Postal ballots were counted first, followed by EVMs as trends begin to emerge.

One seat in South 24 Parganas – Falta -- will go to a re-poll on May 21 after voting was cancelled over alleged irregularities. Counting for that seat will be held on May 24.

Chunchura has the highest workload with 27 rounds of counting, while Metiaburuz, Saptagram and Bijpur will see 10 rounds each.