The BJP-led NDA took an early lead as counting began for the Assam Assembly elections on Monday. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, contesting from Jalukbari, is aiming for a third term. Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi is contesting from Jorhat in his first state election. AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal is in the fray from Binnakandi. Counting is underway across 40 centres. Exit polls by Axis My India predicted a strong NDA win with 88–100 seats. Assam saw 85.91 percent turnout, including record female participation. (PC: X)

Early counting trends in Kerala show the Congress-led United Democratic Front leading in several seats, while the Left Democratic Front and the Bharatiya Janata Party trail in initial numbers. Counting began at 8 am across all 140 seats, starting with postal ballots. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is seeking a third term, while Opposition leader V. D. Satheesan aims to return Congress to power after 10 years. LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan said, “The LDF will win with a bigger mandate.” Early leads are expected to change as counting progresses. (PC: X)

Counting of votes began across 293 seats in West Bengal on Monday, with the Bharatiya Janata Party taking early leads. The Election Commission is not counting votes for Falta due to a repoll on May 21. The contest is mainly between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is seeking a fourth term. Officials said security has been increased at counting centres. Earlier, reports of EVM tampering and violence led to repolling in some areas. High voter turnout was recorded in both phases of polling. (PC: HT)

Actor-turned-politician Vijay is seeking a strong political entry in Tamil Nadu with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). He launched the party in 2024 and said, “Politics is not my hobby, it is my quest.” His debut comes in a state with a history of film stars like M. G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa turning into leaders. Exit polls show mixed signals, with some predicting a strong showing for TVK. Vijay has ruled out alliances with BJP and DMK. His campaign focuses on youth, women and welfare. The results will test his political strength. (PC: X)

India is set for a crucial political verdict as counting begins across five regions including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry covering 823 assembly seats. Polls held between April 9 and 29 saw intense contests, particularly in Bengal, marked by repolling and allegations of irregularities. Key leaders including Mamata Banerjee, M K Stalin, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Pinarayi Vijayan are battling to retain power. Exit polls suggest varied outcomes, with potential shifts in Bengal and Kerala, while Assam appears stable. Security has been tightened, and results on May 4 will determine the political trajectory of these regions. (PC: PTI)

Tensions escalated in Bhowanipore ahead of West Bengal’s vote counting after the All India Trinamool Congress alleged a security breach involving vehicles carrying Bharatiya Janata Party flags entering a counting centre. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, contesting against Suvendu Adhikari, raised concerns over unauthorised access to premises storing EVMs. TMC workers claimed a “suspicious” vehicle was allowed inside despite strict security by CAPF and alleged they were pushed back when protesting. Though officials reportedly assured action, the vehicle remained briefly before leaving. The incident adds to mounting allegations of irregularities and heightens political tensions ahead of the crucial May 4 results.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging unauthorised sorting of postal ballot covers at a strongroom in Kolkata’s Khudiram Anushilan Kendra. Party workers claimed eight trunks of postal ballots were brought at 4 am and moved to a room lacking CCTV coverage, raising concerns over transparency. Protests erupted at the site, with BJP leaders arriving and countering that TMC was creating unrest anticipating defeat. Similar tensions surfaced at Barasat, where TMC alleged a 17-minute CCTV outage, though officials attributed it to monitor cable issues and promised footage access. The EC also dismissed a viral video from Purba Bardhaman as old, clarifying it showed authorised technical work. (PC: PTI)

West Bengal’s 2026 Assembly elections have witnessed fresh political tension after the BJP alleged serious irregularities in the handling of EVM strongrooms. According to the party, a strongroom in Kolkata’s Bidhannagar area was opened at least 10 times without proper authorization and without the presence of designated observers or party representatives. The BJP has filed a complaint with the Sub-Divisional Officer, claiming violation of election protocols and demanding accountability. The issue has intensified already heated exchanges between the BJP and ruling TMC, both of whom have earlier raised concerns over security lapses and CCTV disruptions. Authorities have reportedly suspended six officials linked to the incident, while the Election Commission has maintained that all strongrooms remain sealed and under strict surveillance. The dispute has further raised questions about transparency and electoral integrity ahead of counting day. (PC: PTI)

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya called the Assembly polls an “election of rejection” of Mamata Banerjee and her party, the Trinamool Congress. Speaking before results, he said issues like “teacher recruitment scams” and unemployment hurt the ruling party. He claimed the BJP could cross 200 seats. Bhattacharya said the campaign focused on “Bengal first” and identity. “She will not be able to do anything this time,” he said. He added the party worked to place agents at every booth and build confidence. Results for the high-stakes election will be announced soon. (PC: India Today)

The Trinamool Congress alleged that a BJP-linked vehicle entered a strong room in Kolkata without proper checks. Party workers staged a protest over the claim. The Election Commission of India is overseeing counting set for May 4. Meanwhile, the poll panel ordered a full repoll in Falta in South 24 Parganas. It cited “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process”. Voting will be held again on May 21 with strict security. Political leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party and TMC exchanged sharp reactions over the developments. (PC: HT)