New Delhi/Chennai/Kolkata/Puducherry, May 4, 2026:
Counting of votes for the Indian State Assembly Elections 2026 is underway across key states, delivering dramatic early trends with new political shifts, tight contests, and emerging power equations.
Tamil Nadu: TVK Surge Shakes Traditional Politics
In Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has made a stunning debut, leading in around 98 seats in early trends.
The AIADMK+ alliance is ahead in 67 seats, while the ruling DMK+ trails with around 42 seats, indicating a major shift in the state’s political landscape.
In a surprising development, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is trailing in Kolathur, while Vijay is leading in multiple constituencies, including Tiruchi East and Perambur.
Coimbatore (South): Nail-Biting Contest
One of the closest battles is unfolding in Coimbatore (South), where V Senthilbalaji (DMK) is leading with 12,888 votes, closely followed by V. Senthilkumar (TVK) with 12,671 votes.
The margin of around 200 votes makes it one of the tightest contests in the state, with counting still underway and the result too close to call.
West Bengal: BJP Heads Towards Historic Breakthrough
In West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has crossed the halfway mark in early leads, positioning itself for a historic first government in the state.
As of early afternoon trends:
- BJP leading in ~185 seats
- All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) leading in ~91 seats
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is currently leading from Bhabanipur but has urged party workers to stay cautious, saying, “We will win after sundown.”
The high-stakes contest comes after record voter turnout exceeding 90%, reflecting intense political engagement across the state.
Puducherry: Rangasamy Set to Return
In Puducherry, the ruling All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) is leading the race, with Chief Minister N. Rangasamy securing a comfortable win in Thattanchavady.
Key updates:
- AINRC leading in 8 seats, won 1
- BJP wins Mannadipet
- DMK flips Nellithope from BJP
- Congress registers a win in Oussudu
The NDA alliance (AINRC-BJP-AIADMK) appears to be holding its ground against the INDIA bloc.
