LIVE: Exit polls predict UDF in Kerala; Stalin, Himanta look set to stay; TMC shaky
As curtain falls on final phase of polling, all eyes are on predictions for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Bengal, and Puducherry ahead of the May 4 results
The marathon election season across four states and one Union Territory reached its crescendo today as the final ballots were cast in West Bengal. In the second phase, Bengal saw a record 90 per cent voter turnout.
The focus shifts instantly to the exit poll predictions, which will begin trickling in after 6:30 PM. These surveys will offer the first data-driven glimpse into whether incumbent governments in Kerala and Assam have held their ground, if the high-decibel campaigns in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have swayed the electorate, and who holds the edge in the crucial battle for Puducherry.
While the official counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, the exit polls are set to trigger a night of intense political debate and anticipation across the country.
Get live updates here.
Live Updates
- 29 April 2026 6:49 PM IST
Another exit poll echoes BJP sweep in Assam
A second exit poll has reinforced projections of a commanding BJP victory in Assam. Poll Diary projects the BJP winning between 86 and 101 seats in the 126-seat assembly, while the Congress is projected to win between 15 and 26 seats. The numbers closely mirror the earlier Axis My India projection, with both polls pointing to a comprehensive majority for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's government. Results will be declared on May 4.
- 29 April 2026 6:46 PM IST
Exit poll projects TMC will win big in West Bengal
The People's Pulse exit poll for the West Bengal 2026 assembly elections projects the Trinamool Congress winning between 177 and 187 seats in the 294-seat assembly, a commanding majority well above the halfway mark of 148. The BJP is projected to win between 95 and 110 seats. The Congress is projected to win just 1 to 2 seats, while the Left is expected to draw a near-blank with 0 to 1 seats. If the projections hold, it would mark a third consecutive term for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Results will be declared on May 4.
- 29 April 2026 6:43 PM IST
Exit poll projects NR Congress majority in Puducherry
The People's Pulse exit poll for the Puducherry 2026 assembly elections projects the NR Congress winning between 16 and 19 seats in the 30-seat assembly, enough to secure a majority. The Congress is projected to win between 10 and 12 seats. Vijay's TVK, making its debut in Puducherry, is projected to draw a blank. Others are expected to account for 1 to 2 seats. If the projections hold, it would mark a continued hold on power for N. Rangasamy's party. Results will be declared on May 4.
- 29 April 2026 6:41 PM IST
Exit poll projects UDF majority in Kerala
The People's Pulse exit poll for the Kerala 2026 assembly elections projects the UDF winning between 75 and 85 seats in the 140-seat assembly, enough for a majority. The ruling LDF is projected to win between 55 and 65 seats, suggesting a significant setback for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's government. Others are expected to account for up to 3 seats. If the projections hold, it would mark a return to power for the Congress-led UDF and end the LDF's consecutive second term. Results will be declared on May 4.
- 29 April 2026 6:35 PM IST
Exit poll gives DMK a comfortable majority in Tamil Nadu
The People's Pulse exit poll for the Tamil Nadu 2026 assembly elections projects the DMK-led alliance winning between 125 and 145 seats, comfortably past the majority mark of 118 in the 234-seat assembly. The AIADMK is projected to win between 65 and 80 seats, while Vijay's TVK makes a notable debut with a projected 18 to 24 seats. Other parties are expected to account for 2 to 6 seats. If the projections hold, it would mark a second consecutive term for the DMK under Chief Minister M K Stalin. Results will be declared on May 4.
- 29 April 2026 6:33 PM IST
Exit poll predicts BJP sweep in Assam
The Axis My India exit poll for the Assam 2026 assembly elections projects a massive majority for the BJP, predicting the party will win between 88 and 100 seats. The Congress is projected to win between 24 and 36 seats. If the numbers hold, it would amount to a comprehensive sweep for the ruling party in the state. The Assam assembly has 126 seats, and a party needs 64 seats for a majority. Results will be declared on May 4.
- 29 April 2026 6:16 PM IST
TMC candidate Tanmoy Ghosh flags booth violence, faulty EVMs in Sreerampur
TMC candidate Tanmoy Ghosh from Sreerampur (General), said polling had largely remained calm but flagged incidents at a handful of booths.
“So far the polling is peaceful,” he said, before pointing to specific locations. “But in a few places, specifically booth no 225, 19, 21, 22, where Bengal police have beaten up our people in the camps, which is condemnable,” he alleged, urging authorities to act. “I request the Bengal police cadres to be proactive… 4th May, they’ll find the results.”
Ghosh said he had formally raised the matter. “I have escalated these issues to police observers as well,” he noted. He also cited concerns over equipment. “Additionally, I have concerns over a high number of malfunctioning EVMs (6-7%) in the constituency,” he said, adding, “If I find anything on this regard on 4th May – I’ll definitely challenge it… also I’ve raised this issue to the CEO.”
