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)

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)