The counting of votes for the assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry commenced today, May 4, 2026, at 8 AM. Early trends are expected to emerge by 11 AM, with final results anticipated by 4 PM.
Why it matters: The outcomes of these elections will significantly influence the political landscapes of key Indian states and have broader implications for national politics. Over a hundred million voters participated, marking a historic turnout.
Counting is taking place across 824 assembly seats in five regions simultaneously.
West Bengal recorded a historic voter turnout of 92.47%, the highest since India’s independence.
Assam saw an impressive turnout of 85.96%, with polling held on April 9, 2026.
Tamil Nadu also reported a high turnout of 84.80%, with voting taking place on April 23, 2026.
Driving the news: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed full machinery to facilitate a smooth counting process. Votes are counted first for postal ballots, followed by those cast on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Counting began with postal ballots at 8 AM, followed by EVM counts starting at 8:30 AM.
Real-time updates are available through the ECI's official website and the Voter Helpline app.
Results from 14 EVMs are announced at the end of each counting round.
Additional security measures have been implemented across counting centers to maintain order.
State of play: The elections are particularly consequential as they feature states that have never seen a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, representing a final frontier for the party.
Mamata Banerjee seeks her fourth consecutive term in West Bengal, where exit polls indicate a close race.
In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin aims to defend a substantial mandate from previous elections.
Pinarayi Vijayan in Kerala is also fighting for a third consecutive term as the incumbent.
The NDA is attempting to secure a second term in Puducherry, with exit polls hinting at a favorable outcome.
The big picture: With intense campaigning leading up to the elections, the results will likely impact state governance and the national political narrative.
Over 15.93 crore people voted across the five states, highlighting the significance of these elections.
Pollsters project a tight contest in West Bengal, with the BJP potentially gaining ground.
In Assam, predictions suggest the NDA could secure over 88 seats out of 126, maintaining their hold on power.
Kerala and Tamil Nadu are viewed as bellwethers for regional political dynamics.
What they're saying: Political leaders have expressed optimism and confidence as counting progresses.
West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, assured that all arrangements were made for a fair counting process.
“The counting will be conducted in a free and fair manner,” Agarwal said.
Exit polls have varied predictions for Tamil Nadu, with some anticipating a breakthrough for the new political force led by actor Vijay.
By the numbers: Here are some key figures from the elections:
West Bengal: 92.47% turnout, with voting held on April 23 and 29.
Assam: 85.96% turnout, polling on April 9.
Tamil Nadu: 84.80% turnout, voting on April 23.
Puducherry: 89.87% turnout, also on April 9.
What's next: As counting progresses, the political maps of these states may shift dramatically.
Final results are expected to be announced by 4 PM today, shaping the future of regional and national politics.
Voters can track real-time updates through the ECI’s official site and mobile app.
Security remains heightened at counting centers to prevent any unrest during this decisive day.
As the results come in, reactions from political leaders and analysts will provide insights into the implications of these elections.