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Elections 2026 counting: BJP leads in West Bengal, UDF gains in Kerala, TVK rises

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Highlights:

  • BJP crosses majority mark in West Bengal in early Elections trends
  • Mamata Banerjee leads in Bhabanipur despite TMC trailing statewide
  • TVK emerges as a major force in Tamil Nadu Elections
  • IUML credits UDF coordination for gains in Kerala Elections
  • BJP allies and regional parties record wins in Assam and Puducherry

West Bengal is the central focus of the Elections 2026, with early counting trends indicating a major shift. The BJP moved past the halfway mark in the 294-member Assembly, leading in 185 seats initially and later extending its lead to 192 seats by the afternoon. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) trailed with leads in around 91 to 92 seats.

The majority mark of 148 was crossed early, suggesting a potential breakthrough for the BJP in a state it has not governed before. Trends show the BJP performing strongly in border areas, tribal regions, and industrial belts, while the TMC retained support in parts of Kolkata and some rural constituencies.

Despite the broader trend, Mamata Banerjee maintained a lead in Bhabanipur. She was ahead by 16,706 votes after five rounds, which later narrowed to 12,131 votes by the 10th round. The contest saw fluctuations, with Banerjee leading initially, trailing in the second round, and regaining the lead in later rounds.

In Nandigram, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was ahead by over 3,135 votes against TMC’s Pabitra Kar after two rounds.

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The Elections also reflected changes in vote share, with the BJP at approximately 44.8 percent and the TMC at around 41.7 percent. Several TMC leaders were trailing, including Udayan Guha in Dinhata and Manas Ranjan Bhunia in Sabang. In Kolkata, BJP candidate Purnima Chakraborty led over minister Shashi Panja.

The Election Commission countermanded polling in the Falta constituency due to “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process.”

TMC leader Sagarika Ghose raised concerns about the pace of counting. “Trends for 100 seats have still not been uploaded by the ECI. Why this delay in counting? Why is counting so slow? Why only one or two rounds counted until now?” she said, adding, “TMC workers are full of spirit and will not move until every vote is counted. Joy Bangla!”

Elections in Tamil Nadu: TVK surge reshapes contest

The Elections 2026 in Tamil Nadu are showing a three-way contest, with TVK emerging as a strong contender in its first Assembly election. The party is leading in approximately 106 to 110 seats in the 234-member Assembly, close to the majority mark of 118.

The AIADMK-led alliance is in second place with around 60 to 61 seats, while the DMK-led alliance trails with approximately 47 to 62 seats.

TVK’s performance is particularly strong in urban areas, including Chennai. Actor-turned-politician Vijay is leading in both Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies.

Early trends also show key DMK leaders facing challenges. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is trailing in Kolathur, while Udhayanidhi Stalin is in a close contest in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni.

The Elections recorded a voter turnout of about 85.1 percent during polling on April 23.

BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy expressed confidence in a win for the AIADMK-led NDA, rejecting the possibility of a hung assembly. He said opposition reactions suggested they were “rattled” and maintained that public sentiment was against the DMK government.

Elections in Kerala: UDF gains with alliance support

In Kerala, the Elections 2026 trends indicate gains for the United Democratic Front (UDF), with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) performing strongly.

The IUML is leading in 23 out of 27 seats it contested. Party leaders attributed this to effective alliance coordination.

IUML state president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal said, “This is the result of the UDF’s teamwork reflected in the election. The rest of the matters will be decided after discussions within the UDF.”

Senior leader P K Kunhalikutty projected that the UDF could win around 100 seats, adding that further steps would follow alliance procedures. He also highlighted the win of Congress leader V S Joy in Thavanur.

Elections in Assam: Charan Boro secures decisive win

In Assam, the Elections 2026 have already produced a clear result in Mazbat. Cabinet minister and BPF leader Charan Boro won by a margin of over 55,000 votes.

Boro secured 84,718 votes, defeating JMM candidate Priti Rekha Barla, who received 29,172 votes. This marks his third consecutive victory and reinforces the BJP-led alliance’s position in the state.

Elections in Puducherry: AINRC leads in key constituencies

In Puducherry, Elections 2026 trends show the ruling AINRC in a strong position. Chief Minister N Rangasamy is leading in Thattanchavady by 3,591 votes.

AINRC candidates are ahead in multiple constituencies, including Villianur, Muthialpet, Ariankuppam, Enbalam, Nettapakkam, and Karaikal North. BJP candidates are also leading in Mannadipet and Neravy T R Pattinam.

These trends indicate a favorable outcome for the ruling alliance in the Union Territory.

Elections 2026: National picture from state trends

The Elections 2026 counting day reflects varied political outcomes across states. West Bengal stands out with a potential shift in power, while Tamil Nadu shows signs of a new political entrant changing the contest. Kerala indicates the importance of alliances, and Assam and Puducherry suggest continuity for ruling coalitions.

As counting continues, the Elections results will clarify whether these early trends translate into final outcomes, shaping the political landscape across regions.

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