Today's Chanakya exit polls predict a landslide victory for the BJP in Assam, indicating a second term for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. In Kerala, the projections show a close contest between the incumbent LDF and the UDF, with the BJP expected to secure a few seats. Projections for West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are still awaited.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed exit poll predictions, asserting the Trinamool Congress will secure a decisive victory. While most surveys indicated a close contest with a slight edge for the BJP, one poll projected a strong win for the TMC. Both parties expressed confidence in their respective wins.

Today's Chanakya exit polls predict a landslide victory for the BJP in Assam, indicating a second term for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. In Kerala, the projections show a close contest between the incumbent LDF and the UDF, with the BJP expected to secure a few seats. Projections for West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are still awaited.

The Supreme Court urged the Centre to consider amending laws to allow rape survivors to terminate pregnancies beyond 20 weeks, emphasizing no time limit in such cases. The bench highlighted the lifelong trauma for a child survivor and the need for the decision to rest with the survivor and her parents, with AIIMS offering counsel.

The National Medical Commission has recognized the Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Cardiology (PGDCC), validating degrees for 1,700 doctors trained between 2006-2013. This move by IGNOU, now redesignated as Clinical Cardio Physician (Non-Invasive), aims to address the critical shortage of cardiology specialists in underserved regions and bridge the urban-rural healthcare gap.

India faces a significant hepatitis burden, contributing to a high number of global deaths. Despite progress in reducing infections, the world is off track to meet 2030 elimination targets due to gaps in vaccination, screening, and treatment access. Viral hepatitis remains a major public health threat.

Iran's UN mission accused the US of misrepresenting its nuclear program at a review conference, deflecting from Washington's own violations. Tehran insists its enriched uranium is IAEA-supervised, with no diversion. Meanwhile, Iran's envoy warned that regional stability hinges on ending aggression and respecting its sovereignty, urging the UN Security Council to intervene amidst escalating tensions.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge downplayed the Karnataka chief ministerial tussle between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, stating the party will resolve the «confusion soon.» This comes amid speculation fueled by a reported power-sharing agreement and a statement from Home Minister G Parameshwara suggesting Kharge could be a suitable CM.

'State bifurcation', P 12

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.