The counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 began on May 4, 2026, across 77 centres covering 293 constituencies, under tight security arrangements. Early trends indicate a strong performance by the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is inching closer to the majority mark, setting up a high-stakes contest against the ruling All India Trinamool Congress.
The elections, conducted in two phases and concluding on April 29, recorded a historic voter turnout of 92.47 percent—the highest since Independence. The strong participation reflects the intensity of the political contest, with both the BJP and the TMC raising concerns over electoral integrity during the campaign.
Early counting trends indicate that the BJP is gaining ground across key regions, including North Bengal, Jangalmahal, and parts of Kolkata. The party has also made inroads into areas traditionally dominated by the TMC, signalling a possible shift in voter preferences. At one stage, the BJP was leading in over 130 seats, while the TMC followed closely, keeping the contest highly competitive.
In a key development, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken the lead in the Bhabanipur constituency after initial fluctuations. The seat remains one of the most closely watched battles of the election. Meanwhile, BJP candidates have secured early leads in constituencies such as Kalimpong, Katwa, and Haldia, further strengthening the party’s position.
Regional trends suggest a mixed picture in districts like North 24 Parganas, where both BJP and TMC candidates are leading in different constituencies. In tribal-dominated regions such as Jangalmahal and districts like Purulia and Bankura, the BJP has shown a strong performance, while the TMC continues to hold ground in select pockets.
This election is crucial for the TMC, which aims for a fourth consecutive term in power, while the BJP seeks to form the government in the state for the first time. With counting progressing in multiple rounds, the outcome remains uncertain, and trends are expected to shift as more votes are tallied.
All eyes are now on updates from the Election Commission of India as the day unfolds, with both parties closely tracking the numbers that will ultimately decide the political future of West Bengal.
