Assembly election 2026 LIVE: Exit polls predict close contest in West Bengal, DMK+ lead in Tamil Nadu,

In Tamil Nadu most exit polls had pointed towards a comfortable win for the DMK-led alliance with a solid majority. | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Several exit polls on Wednesday (April 29, 2026) predicted a clear majority for the BJP in Assam and an edge for the party over the ruling TMC in West Bengal, while projecting a return of the DMK government in Tamil Nadu and a comeback by the Congress-led UDF in Kerala after 10 years. Almost all forecast a return to power for the AINRC-led NDA government in Puducherry.

There was a record turnout of 92.65% in the second and final phase of polling for the West Bengal Assembly election on Wednesday (April 29, 2026), amidst isolated incidents of unrest and violence. 

Read: An SIR-marred turnout in West Bengal

The counting of votes for all the five Assemblies, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and Assam, will be taken up on May 4.

Polls were conducted in a single phase in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. West Bengal saw two-phase polling on April 23 and 29.

On April 9, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry went to polls. Tamil Nadu went to polls on April 23. 

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