BJP Nears Majority in Bengal as TVK Surges in Tamil Nadu, ECI Results Show

Key facts

• BJP leading in 192 seats in West Bengal against TMC's 94.
• TVK has secured a lead in 111 seats in Tamil Nadu, pushing DMK to third.
• Congress leads in 63 seats in Kerala, unseating the incumbent Left government.
• BJP holds early advantage in Assam with 79 seats to Congress's 24.
• West Bengal recorded a historic turnout of 92.47%.
• Assam recorded 85.38% turnout; Tamil Nadu 85.10%.
• Counting halted in Bengal's Bhabanipur after 13 rounds.
• TMC alleges glitch in EVMs; BJP credits PM Modi for Bengal win.

Historic Turnout and Shifting Alliances

The Election Commission of India has begun releasing names of winners across five states — West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry — as vote counting continues. The results so far point to a dramatic political realignment, with the Bharatiya Janata Party crossing the majority mark in West Bengal and the debutant Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam making significant gains in Tamil Nadu. West Bengal recorded a historic turnout of 92.47 per cent, the highest in the state's electoral history, surpassing even the landmark 2011 election that ended three decades of Left rule. Assam saw an 85.38 per cent turnout, comfortably ahead of the 82.04 per cent recorded in 2021, while Tamil Nadu broke its own record with 85.10 per cent, the highest for any state assembly election since Independence.

BJP Surges in Bengal, TMC Alleges EVM Glitch

According to early trends, the BJP is leading in 192 seats against the Trinamool Congress's 94 in West Bengal. Counting was halted in Bengal's Bhabanipur after 13 rounds, though Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continues to lead from that seat. A TMC candidate has alleged that results were tampered and fabricated, and the party has raised concerns about glitches in electronic voting machines. In Nandigram, a key battleground, BJP's Suvendu Adhikari is holding a slim lead over TMC's Pabitra Kar. BJP workers were seen enjoying fish and rice curry in Bengal, a sign of confidence. Nishikant Dubey, a BJP leader, credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the party's performance in the state.

TVK's Debut Shakes Tamil Nadu, DMK Trails

In Tamil Nadu, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by actor Vijay, has secured a lead in 111 seats, pushing the incumbent DMK, led by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, to the third position. So far, 10 TVK candidates have been declared winners, including VS Babu who leads against Stalin in Kolathur. TVK has won the Thanjavur and Anna Nagar seats. The DMK is defending a commanding 159-seat mandate from 2021 in the 234-seat assembly. The Congress has secured one win in Tamil Nadu so far. The results mark a seismic shift in a state long dominated by Dravidian parties.

Congress Leads in Kerala, Left Faces Setback

In Kerala, the Congress-led United Democratic Front has secured a lead in 63 seats, usurping the incumbent Left Democratic Front government. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who secured a historic back-to-back win in 2021, faces severe headwinds. Kerala Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal registered a narrow win, but a Keralam minister described the outcome as an unexpected setback. The state voted on 23 April and is shaping up as one of the clearest indicator races of the day. The 140-seat assembly is witnessing a tight contest.

BJP Dominates Assam, Congress Trails

In Assam, the BJP holds an early advantage with 79 seats to the Congress's 24. Assam agriculture minister Pijush Hazarika won the Jagiroad seat by 93,584 votes, becoming an MLA for the fourth time. BJP's Ajanta Neog won for the sixth time from Golaghat. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is seeking a third consecutive term in a straight fight against a resurgent Congress. Assam voted in a single phase on 9 April with an 85.38 per cent turnout, comfortably ahead of the 82.04 per cent recorded in 2021.

Puducherry and Other Key Updates

In Puducherry, the NDA is eyeing a historic win in India's smallest electoral battle. The Election Commission has released winners' names state-wise, and results can be tracked on official websites eciresults.nic.in, eci.gov.in, and results.eci.gov.in. The NOTA option saw few takers this time. Among other notable results, the mother of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim is leading in her constituency. The counting process continues, with final outcomes expected later today.

A Dramatic Political Realignment

The 2026 election results are pointing towards a closely watched and dramatic political outcome across key states. The BJP's surge in Bengal and Assam, combined with TVK's stunning debut in Tamil Nadu, signals a reshaping of the political landscape. The Congress's lead in Kerala offers a counterpoint, but the overall trend suggests a shift away from established regional parties. As counting continues, all eyes are on the final tally and the implications for national politics. The high voter turnout across states underscores the electorate's engagement, setting the stage for intense coalition negotiations and policy debates in the days ahead.

The bottom line

• BJP is on track to form government in West Bengal for the first time in decades, leading in 192 seats.
• TVK's debut in Tamil Nadu has upended the state's politics, with 111 seats lead and DMK pushed to third.
• Congress is leading in Kerala, unseating the incumbent Left government after five years.
• BJP maintains strong hold in Assam, leading in 79 seats with key ministers winning by large margins.
• Record voter turnouts across states indicate high political engagement and a mandate for change.
• Allegations of EVM glitches and tampering by TMC could lead to post-election disputes.