Election 2026: BJP Poised for Victory in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu's Vijay Makes Waves
Election Trends Indicate Major Shifts
Kolkata/Chennai: The BJP appears to be on a promising path to victory in West Bengal, currently leading in 109 seats compared to the ruling TMC's 63. Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Vijay's party, TVK, is making a remarkable entrance, leading in 103 seats and pushing the ruling DMK to third place, as per the latest updates from the Election Commission.
As the counting of votes progresses for the Assembly elections across West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, the eastern region seems to be turning a vibrant saffron hue. In Kerala, the Congress party is ahead in 61 seats, while the CPM and CPI follow with 29 and 9 seats, respectively.
West Bengal has become the focal point of Election 2026, with the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC facing a significant challenge from the BJP, which has historically struggled to gain a foothold in the state. The election campaign has been marked by controversies surrounding electoral integrity and polarization.
Over 250,000 personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and state police have been deployed, as tensions rise between the TMC and BJP outside various strongrooms where EVMs are stored ahead of the counting.
The BJP is aiming for a historic win, while the TMC is determined to secure a fourth consecutive term.
Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition, expressed confidence, stating, "The BJP will form the government," as he seeks re-election from Nandigram and faces Banerjee in Bhabanipur. He added, "Jeetenge. Achhe se jeetenge (I will win handsomely)."
In contrast, TMC leaders are taking a more cautious approach, choosing to observe the unfolding results.
Pollsters suggest that if current trends persist, it may signal a significant defeat for Mamata Banerjee and another triumph for the BJP.
In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is leading the BJP to another victory, with the party ahead in 74 of the 126 seats, leaving the Congress trailing with only 23.
While West Bengal captures headlines, superstar Vijay's political journey is also noteworthy. Despite a tragic incident during his rally in September 2025 that resulted in over 40 fatalities, his party is now on track to become the largest in Tamil Nadu, leading in 103 of the 234 seats.
The AIADMK is currently ahead in 67 seats, while the ruling DMK holds 38. Vijay's rise could see him join the ranks of political legends like MGR and Jayalalithaa.
In Kerala, the Congress party is finding some solace, as the UDF has taken a significant lead, suggesting a potential return to power.
Sunny Joseph, the KPCC chief, noted this trend and expressed optimism that the UDF could reach the 100-seat mark in the 140-member Assembly.
In Puducherry, the Congress and BJP are neck and neck, each leading in two seats, while the All India NR Congress is ahead in seven of the 30 seats for which trends are available.