Stage set for counting of votes in 4 States, Puducherry tomorrow
The marathon Assembly elections across four states ' Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala ' and the Union Territory of Puducherry have reached their climax. With polling for 823 seats concluded between April 9 and April 29, the Election Commission will begin counting of votes at 8:00 AM on May 4.
Over the next 24 hours, political fortunes will be decided across five states that witnessed intense campaigns, sharp ideological battles, and record voter turnout. The EC confirmed that all arrangements are in place, including three-tier security at counting centres, CCTV surveillance, and deployment of five micro-observers per constituency.
Tamil Nadu: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is seeking a fourth consecutive term for the DMK-led alliance. The surprise entry of actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has reshaped the Dravidian contest, with exit polls indicating TVK could play kingmaker or even emerge as the single-largest party.
Assam: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is confident of a third straight term for the BJP-led NDA, citing infrastructure growth and the 'double-engine government' model as key vote drivers.
Kerala: Incumbent Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is aiming to defy Kerala's 40-year-old trend of alternating between LDF and UDF governments. The Congress-led UDF is banking on anti-incumbency and voter fatigue.
West Bengal: The state is witnessing a high-stakes face-off between Mamata Banerjee's TMC and the BJP. While TMC claims it will secure 200+ seats for a fourth term, the BJP has made 'Poriborton' its central slogan, predicting a change of guard.
Puducherry: The BJP-led NDA is hoping to retain the 30-member Assembly, while the Congress-DMK alliance is eyeing a comeback after losing power in 2021.
Exit Poll projections: Who's ahead?
West Bengal ' 294 seats
A majority of exit polls have given the BJP an edge, suggesting a major blow to TMC's decade-long dominance. Mamata Banerjee has rejected the projections outright. 'Exit polls have been wrong before. TMC will win 200+ seats and form the government for the fourth time,' she said.
Kerala ' 140 seats
The Congress-led UDF appears to have the upper hand. _Axis My India_ projected 78-90 seats for UDF, while _C-Voter_ estimated 94+ seats ' well above the 71-seat majority mark. If the numbers hold, Kerala will revert to its pattern of voting out the incumbent every five years.
Assam ' 126 seats
All major exit polls predict a clean sweep for the BJP-led NDA. _Axis My India_ forecast 88-100 seats for NDA, while _Matrize_ put the tally at 85-90. A win would solidify Himanta Biswa Sarma's position as the BJP's most prominent face in the Northeast.
Tamil Nadu ' 234 seats
The state is headed for a closely contested finish. While most polls back DMK for a fourth term, _Axis My India_ flagged 'unexpected results' for Vijay's TVK. Its projection: TVK 98-120, DMK alliance 92-120, AIADMK-led NDA 22-32. With the majority mark at 118, both TVK and DMK remain in the race.
Puducherry ' 30 seats
People's Pulse_ predicted 15-19 seats for the BJP-led NDA, indicating it is likely to retain power. The majority mark in the UT is 16.
Counting Day protocols
Counting will start at 8 AM with postal ballots, followed by EVM rounds. Initial trends are expected by 9:30 AM, with a clearer picture likely by noon.
The EC has prohibited mobile phones inside counting halls and restricted entry to candidates, election agents, and counting agents only. Victory processions will not be allowed until further notice.
For political parties, it's a night of anxious anticipation. For 823 constituencies across five states and a UT, the verdict arrives tomorrow ' deciding who will govern for the next five years.
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