New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Exit polls for the 2026 Assembly elections have projected a dramatic political contest across five key regions, indicating a close fight in West Bengal, a strong showing for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam, a possible return of the United Democratic Front in Kerala, and continued dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu.
According to multiple poll projections, West Bengal is headed for one of the most closely watched contests of the election cycle. Several surveys suggest the BJP may breach the long-standing bastion of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and challenge the ruling All India Trinamool Congress for power after 15 years. However, some polls have also predicted a strong comeback for the TMC, indicating a razor-edge battle in the 294-member Assembly.
In Assam, nearly all exit polls forecast a decisive return for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP-led alliance, with projections suggesting a comfortable majority and a possible third consecutive term for the NDA in the northeastern state.
In Kerala, exit polls have largely indicated a return of the Congress-led UDF after a decade in opposition. If the predictions hold, it would end the Left Democratic Front’s tenure under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who had scripted back-to-back wins in 2016 and 2021.
Tamil Nadu is projected to remain with the ruling DMK-led alliance under Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, with most polls predicting the party could overcome anti-incumbency and secure another term. However, some projections also point to a strong debut performance by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, adding uncertainty to the contest.
In Puducherry, almost all surveys predict that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance will retain power.
Political analysts cautioned that exit polls are only indicative and have previously missed actual outcomes in several major elections, including West Bengal in 2021 and parts of the 2024 general elections. Final results will be declared on May 4.
The outcome of these elections is expected to have far-reaching implications for national politics, setting the tone for upcoming state polls and shaping the political momentum ahead of future parliamentary contests.