Vote Counting Underway in 5 Indian States: Which Parties Are Leading Where?

Darwin, 04 may: Vote counting is underway today, Monday, across five Indian states, including West Bengal. By midday, it is expected to become clear which parties are set to form governments in the respective states.

The counting process began at 8 a.m. local time, starting with postal ballots, followed by Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) counting.

According to a report by The Times of India, West Bengal is witnessing a strong challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attempts to secure a fourth consecutive term.

In Tamil Nadu, the results will determine whether the DMK retains power or whether Thalapathy Vijay’s new party reshapes the political contest. Assam and Puducherry are testing the dominance of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), while Kerala will reveal whether the existing political cycle continues.

Security has been tightened at counting centres, with strong rooms secured and large deployments of personnel across key regions. Although the Election Commission of India has not yet released official figures, early trends suggest closely fought battles in several key states, while some regions show clear early leads.

Kerala: UDF Leads in Early Trends

In Kerala, early trends show the United Democratic Front (UDF) slightly ahead in around 75 seats, while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is leading in about 58 seats based on initial counting.

In Malappuram district, several UDF candidates are ahead, including leads in Kondotty, Eranad, Nilambur, Wandoor, Manjeri, Perinthalmanna, Vengara, and Vallikunnu constituencies. The LDF has also secured leads in select seats, including Tirur.

Assam: Strong Lead for NDA

In Assam, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is leading in around 69 seats, while the Congress-led opposition is ahead in approximately 19 seats, trailing significantly in the early trends.

West Bengal: Tight Contest Between TMC and BJP

In West Bengal, a highly competitive race is unfolding between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Out of 260 seats in early counting trends, the BJP is leading in 130 seats, while the ruling TMC is ahead in 125 seats, with a narrow margin of just five seats separating the two.

Tension was reported at some counting centres. BJP candidate Arjun Singh alleged irregularities at a counting centre in Noapara, claiming that agents were not allowed inside during the opening of strong rooms and calling it an attempt at malpractice.

Tamil Nadu: TVK Surges Ahead, DMK Trails

In Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay has created a major political surprise.

According to latest trends, his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is leading in 103 out of 234 seats, putting it well ahead of the ruling DMK. The DMK, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, is currently leading in only 38 seats, despite winning 137 seats in the previous election.

The AIADMK alliance is in second place with 75 seats. The majority mark in Tamil Nadu is 118 seats.

Counting is being conducted under tight security at major centres including Loyola College, Queen Mary’s College, and Anna University, with heavy deployment of personnel and strict checks in place.

Puducherry: NDA Looks to Retain Control

In Puducherry, attention is focused on whether the NDA government led by the All India NR Congress can retain power. Counting is progressing smoothly, and clearer trends are expected after further rounds.

Puducherry is a Union Territory rather than a full state. India has 28 states and several Union Territories, including Puducherry, which consists of four geographically separate regions governed under a single administration.

Although not a state, Puducherry has its own legislative assembly and conducts elections.

The elected government handles areas such as education, health, and local administration, while the central government retains significant control through the Lieutenant Governor and requires approval for certain key decisions.