2026 election results highlights: Trends show BJP ahead in West Bengal, Assam; tight race in Tamil Nadu, Kerala

NEW DELHI: As counting begins in 823 constituencies in high-stakes elections in four states and one Union Territory, early postal vote trends show the BJP-led National League for Democracy While West Bengal leads, wild card entrant Vijay’s Tamilaga Vitri Kazhagam (TVK) makes inroads in Tamil Nadu.Meanwhile, trends show the BJP leading in Assam in 25 seats, while the Indian National Congress-led alliance is ahead in 7 seats.In Kerala, the race is on between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), with both parties leading by 50 points.In Tamil Nadu, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is ahead of Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazagam-led All India Alliance, while competition between alliances remains fierce in West Bengal. bjp and All India Trinamool Congress.These numbers are based on initial mail-in ballot trends.Armored vehicle patrols were reportedly seen in Malda, West Bengal, as vote counting began. Vaults were opened in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry ahead of the counting process.Verbal clashes broke out between polling staff at a counting center in West Bengal, with the TMC claiming its workers were not allowed to carry documents and pens inside, while the BJP workers were allowed to. A TMC polling agent said the rules should be applied equally.The BJP, however, accused the TMC agents of not carrying the required identity cards for entry and claimed they were causing unnecessary disruption.In Tamil Nadu, three layers of security were deployed for the counting process early on Monday morning. Security personnel were stationed at the entrance, setting up roadblocks and checking vehicles.Loyola College is one of the important counting centers with EVMs for nearly 4.8 crore voters to cast their votes. Queen Mary College and Anna University have also been designated as counting centres.