India news: State polls test Modi's political might

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AdvertisementSkip next section What you need to know

What you need to know

• Votes are being counted in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry
• Early trends show Narendra Modi's BJP leading in West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry

Here's a roundup of the major headlines out of India on Monday, May 4: 

 

Skip next section India election results: BJP takes early lead over TMC in West Bengal05/04/2026May 4, 2026

India election results: BJP takes early lead over TMC in West Bengal

A couple of hours into the count, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken a surprising lead in West Bengal. This is a state where the Hindu nationalist Party has never won elections before. 

The BJP mounted an aggressive bid to unseat West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the firebrand leader of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), which has been in power in the state of 100 million people since 2011.

"The entire country has its eyes on this state's election results," political analyst Biswanath Chakraborty told AFP in the capital city of Kolkata. "The contest can tilt the balance of power."

The campaign season this time was marked by protests over the removal of millions of names from voter rolls, a move billed as an effort to remove ineligible voters but which critics said disproportionately affected marginalized and minority communities.

A BJP victory in this state, however, would likely be seen as a rejection of the TMC than as decisive popular support endorsement of the BJP.

What about the rest?

In Assam and Puducherry, the BJP is leading largely as expected. In Kerala, the Congress-led alliance is ahead. Some major Indian news channels have already called the elections in Assam and Kerala in favor of the BJP and Congress, respectively, though official confirmation will come later in the day.

In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar has taken a strong early lead, signaling a potential upset for more established parties.

Popularly known by his stage name 'Thalapathy,' Chandrasekhar could emerge as one of the rare shining examples of Indian film actors successfully converting celebrity appeal into electoral success.

https://p.dw.com/p/5DCK4Skip next section India state election results: What to expect05/04/2026May 4, 2026

India state election results: What to expect

State legislative elections were held in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, and the union territory of Puducherry, over the course of the past month.

West Bengal

Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seeking to expand its presence in West Bengal in a closely contested election against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's All India Trinamool Congress.

The state recorded a turnout of 92.47%, among the highest in its electoral history. Modi told a campaign rally the "final phase will make sure the BJP comes to power," while exit polls indicated an edge for the party.

Banerjee alleged irregularities during voting, saying "manipulation is taking place" in several areas.

Tamil Nadu

Exit polls in Tamil Nadu indicated the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance under current Chief Minister MK Stalin is set to retain power.

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), supported by the BJP, is projected to fall short in its challenge.

Some projections also point to actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) making significant gains in its electoral debut, potentially emerging as the single-largest party.

Assam

Several exit polls projected a clear majority for the BJP in Assam, indicating that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is set to retain power for a third consecutive term.

At least four surveys showed the NDA crossing the majority mark in the 126-member state assembly, extending a decade of BJP-led rule in the northeastern state.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expected to return for a second consecutive term.

Kerala

Exit polls indicate a potential comeback for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala. All polls unanimously predict the UDF emerging victorious.

The BJP has never won an assembly election in the state, which remains a stronghold for India's biggest opposition, the Indian National Congress.

Puducherry

Most projections suggest that the BJP-supported alliance will retain power in the coastal region. 

Note: Exit polls in India have had a mixed accuracy record.

https://p.dw.com/p/5DCJySkip next section Vote counting gets underway05/04/2026May 4, 2026

Vote counting gets underway

Counting of votes began in four states, Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the smaller territory of Puducherry, at 8 a.m. local time (0230 GMT).

The Election Commission of India has deployed additional counting and police observers in West Bengal, where a close contest is expected. A three-tier security arrangement, including armored vehicles, has been put in place in the eastern state. Several local businesses and schools have remained closed for the day amid speculation that violence could erupt if the incumbent party loses. 

Early trends have already started coming in, and I will expand on that in a separate post. A clearer view will emerge sometime midday. 

Once multiple rounds of counting are completed, the Election Commission will announce the final winners for each constituency. 

https://p.dw.com/p/5DC8nSkip next section Welcome to our coverage05/04/2026May 4, 2026

Welcome to our coverage

Mahima Kapoor | Roshni Majumdar Editor

Good morning! And welcome to DW’s India news blog.

This is Mahima Kapoor from the New Delhi bureau, and I will be bringing you all the major updates and conversations from across India.

India's weather department has issued a 'red' alert for severe thunderstorms and hailstorms in New Delhi, while parts of the National Capital Region have been put under an 'orange' alert. West Bengal, too, is experiencing stormy winds and bursts of rainfall.

My poetic alter ego would say the weather merely reflects the expected upheaval in Indian politics.

Vote counting is underway today in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam, along with the union territory of Puducherry. Some of these regions recorded historic voter turnouts after an aggressive season of campaigning for high-stakes polls.

Projections suggest mixed outcomesin West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is trying to make inroads in three states where it has never held power. 

Some suggest the BJP will tighten its grip in states like Assam and others say regional parties will hold their ground in key battlegrounds — setting the stage for results that could reshape India's political map.

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