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)

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)

Three people have died after a suspected outbreak of Hantavirus on board the MV Hondius, the World Health Organization said. A 70-year-old Dutch passenger fell ill and died after reaching St Helena. His 69-year-old wife later died in a Johannesburg hospital. A 69-year-old British man is the only confirmed case and is in intensive care. Two crew members also need urgent medical help. Officials said the virus spreads through contact with infected rodent droppings. Dutch authorities are arranging repatriation of two patients and one body still on the ship. (PC: BBC)