Exit polls suggest a BJP-led alliance victory in Assam and a UDF win in Kerala, potentially leaving the Left out of power in any state. Puducherry is expected to see the AINRC-BJP combine retain power. Tamil Nadu and West Bengal present a mixed picture, with some polls indicating a tight race in Tamil Nadu and differing predictions for West Bengal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi may make a brief stopover in the UAE next month during his European tour. Discussions are ongoing for this potential visit, which would underscore India's strong strategic partnership with the Gulf nation. This stopover would allow India to express solidarity following Iran's strikes on GCC countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Bengal's record voter turnout signals a change, expressing confidence in the BJP's victory. He also predicted NDA's retention of Assam and Puducherry, with potential surprises in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Modi highlighted the high turnout as a reflection of fear-free elections and voters' awareness of their democratic rights.
A tense election day in Bhowanipore saw Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and rival Suvendu Adhikari narrowly miss each other, highlighting a bitter personal contest. Both leaders traded accusations of intimidation and rigging amidst high voter turnout. Incidents of clashes and alleged assaults by central forces were reported, escalating the political heat.
West Bengal witnessed a record voter turnout exceeding 91% in the second phase of assembly elections, contributing to an overall 92.47% across two phases, the highest since Independence. Despite high participation, sporadic incidents of violence and vandalism were reported from various locations, prompting the Election Commission to seek reports and ensure fair polling.
Exit polls released on Wednesday after the conclusion of voting across four states and one Union Territory (UT) offered an indecisive picture, where entrenched incumbencies, rising challengers and new entrants are simultaneously may shape electoral outcomes if the exit polls numbers hold. With results scheduled for May 4, the projections reflect both continuity and churn across regions, underscoring how state-specific dynamics continue to define voter behaviour.
A defeat for LDF would also diminish the presence of CPM in its last major stronghold. The campaign narrative has also undergone notable shifts. Early phases were dominated by issues such as corruption allegations, economic concerns, backdoor appointments, the Sabarimala gold heist controversy, and rehabilitation concerns of Wayanad landslide victims, alongside scandals involving opposition leaders.
Puducherry's 2026 elections saw a massive 89.83% voter turnout, with exit polls suggesting a tight race. The ruling NDA, led by AINRC-BJP, appears to have a slight edge over the Congress-DMK alliance. A new force, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has also made its presence felt in several key constituencies, potentially fragmenting the results.
Exit polls present a stark contrast for Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. While most predict a spoiler role with 10-24 seats, one outlier suggests a Kejriwal-like breakthrough of 98-120 seats. The outcome hinges on converting star power into grassroots strength, unlike Prashant Kishor's Bihar debut.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a complete ban on single-use plastic packaging for pan masala, gutka, and similar products. The draft amendment mandates the use of paper, paperboard, or naturally derived materials, prohibiting plastics and aluminium foil. This move aims to curb plastic waste and aligns with existing state-level bans on these products.
Prime Minister Modi lauded West Bengal's high voter turnout in the second phase of assembly elections, highlighting a «fearless atmosphere.» He expressed confidence in a BJP hat-trick of victories across five states, citing recent successes in Bihar and Gujarat. The results on May 4 are anticipated to bolster the resolve for a developed India.
Prime Minister Modi urged record voter turnout for West Bengal's Phase-2 elections, especially from women and youth. Voting commenced across 142 constituencies, a crucial phase for the TMC's dominance in southern districts against the BJP's challenge. Key contests include Bhabanipur, with extensive security and webcasting in place for 3.21 crore voters.
