Suvendu Adhikari said initial counting rounds in Bhabanipur would be challenging despite early leads. The Bharatiya Janata Party leader indicated the contest is expected to remain closely fought as counting progresses, expressing confidence of edging ahead in later rounds. The high-profile battle against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continues to draw significant attention, with trends likely to shift through the day. Observers expect fluctuations in vote margins as successive rounds are completed, making Bhabanipur one of the most closely watched constituencies in the ongoing election counting process.

Early trends in Puducherry Assembly Elections 2026 show the National Democratic Alliance leading. At 10 AM, All India NR Congress leads in 8 seats, Congress in 2, while BJP, ADMK, and DMK trail in one each; Independents lead in 3. Earlier, NDA led in 22 of 30 seats at 8:47 AM and 13 at 8:25 AM. As per the Election Commission of India, AINRC was ahead in Muthialpet, Thattanchavady, and Ariankuppam. The high-profile Thattanchavady contest features CM N Rangasamy against former CM V Vaithilingam. (PC: X)

Early trends in Tamil Nadu show a tight contest between Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, led by Chief Minister M K Stalin, is trailing in third place in initial rounds. The state is seeing a three-way contest for the first time in many years. Most exit polls had predicted a DMK win. However, early numbers suggest a strong performance by TVK. The results may change as counting continues across all 234 seats. The majority mark in the Assembly is 118. (PC: NDTV)

Early counting trends in Bhabanipur show Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee taking a lead over BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The lead comes after a shift in initial rounds of counting. Officials said these numbers are from early trends and may change as counting continues. The contest between the two leaders remains close. Results have seen swings in the first few rounds. More clarity is expected as additional rounds of counting are completed during the day. The Bhabanipur seat is one of the most closely watched battles in the state. (PC: X)

In bypoll updates, Jahar Chakraborti of the Bharatiya Janata Party leads in Dharmanagar with 5,674 votes after the first counting round, while Chayan Bhattacharya trails at 2,473. In Maharashtra’s Rahuri seat, BJP’s Akshay Shivajirao Kardile is ahead with 11,071 votes after round two, according to Election Commission of India data. Meanwhile, in Baramati, Sunetra Pawar holds a narrow lead of 34 votes over Pro. R. Y. Ghutukade Sir of the New Rashtriya Samaj Party, reflecting closely contested trends. (PC: HT)

Early trends in Puducherry show the NDA with an early advantage as counting began on Monday. The AINRC, led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy, is ahead in initial rounds. Counting started at 8 am with postal ballots, followed by EVM votes. Elections were held on April 9 for 30 Assembly seats. Officials said the process is smooth across six counting centres. The INDIA bloc, including Congress and DMK, is trying to challenge the ruling alliance. Despite some internal differences, opposition parties have put up a joint fight. Puducherry recorded a high voter turnout of 89.87%, the highest since 1964. (PC: NDTV)

No victory rallies will be permitted across West Bengal following the announcement of election results, a senior official from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office confirmed. Special observer Subrata Gupta stated that celebrations by winning candidates have been restricted statewide. The Election Commission of India is also reviewing complaints from party agents who reportedly faced difficulties reaching counting centres. Gupta reiterated that no post-result rallies will be allowed anywhere in the state and assured that concerns regarding agent access are under examination and will be resolved promptly by authorities overseeing the electoral process. (PC: MSN)

Early trends in Kerala showed the Congress-led UDF ahead as counting began on Monday. The ruling LDF, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, was close behind in initial rounds. Counting is underway for all 140 seats across the state. Postal ballots were counted first, followed by EVM votes. The LDF is seeking a third straight term, while the UDF is aiming for a return to power. The BJP remains in single digits in early trends. A majority mark of 71 seats is needed to form the government. Trends may change as more rounds of counting are completed. (PC: X)

Early trends in West Bengal showed the BJP with a slight lead as counting began on Monday. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was trailing in Bhabanipur in very early rounds. Counting is underway for 293 seats across 77 centres under tight security. Both the Trinamool Congress and BJP had raised concerns over possible vote manipulation before counting. The state recorded a high voter turnout of 92.47 percent. The TMC is aiming for a fourth straight term, while the BJP is mounting a strong challenge. Results may change as more rounds of counting are completed. (PC: X)

Early counting trends in Tamil Nadu showed the DMK taking the lead as votes were counted on Monday. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin’s party was ahead in several seats. Actor-politician Vijay was trailing in Perambur and Trichy East in early postal vote counts. Udhayanidhi Stalin was also behind in Chepauk in initial trends. Counting began at 8 am for 234 seats. These are very early leads and may change as more rounds are counted. Exit polls had given mixed predictions for the state. (PC: X)