West Bengal Elections 2026: High Turnout Favors TMC, BJP Confident

West Bengal Elections 2026 TMC BJP Voter Turnout

May 4, 20266 min readAsia

Exit polls suggest strong performances for TMC and BJP in 2026.

{"results": [{"url": "https://www.thehindu.com/elections/assembly-election-2026-exit-polls-live-updates-tamil-nadu-kerala-puducherry-west-bengal-assam/article70920319.ece", "title": "Exit polls 2026 highlights: Higher voter turnout in favour of Trinamool Congress, says Saugata Roy - The Hindu", "author": "The Hindu Bureau", "summary": "Summary:\n\n- The Hindu coverage reports exit poll reactions on West Bengal elections, with TMC MP Saugata Roy claiming high turnout favors the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and alleging anti-BJP bias in the Election Commission.\n- Other highlights from exit polls: BJP/NDA projected to perform strongly in Assam; DMK poised for victory in Tamil Nadu; Congress-led UDF expected to win in Kerala; AIADMK seemingly confident in Tamil Nadu, while DMK predicts 180+ seats.\n- For West Bengal specifically, Roy\u2019s quote centers on a predicted TMC surge driven by high turnout, contrasted with perceived anti-BJP sentiment.\n- The article notes that counting for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and Assam assemblies is scheduled for May 4, and provides turnout context for several states (Tamil Nadu 85.1%, Puducherry 91.23%, Assam 85.91%, Kerala 78.27%).\n- The focus is on initial exit-poll sentiment (April 29, 2026) rather than finalized results, and includes reactions from party spokespeople (DMK, AIADMK, BJP) amid expectations of party performances.\n\nRelevance to user query:\n- The piece is not Reuters; it aggregates exit-poll reactions including West Bengal emphasis from Saugata Roy and mentions Kolkata context via turnout and party stances.\n- If seeking Reuters-specific West Bengal trends on May 4 counts, this article provides context on exit-poll sentiment and turnout but not final counts or Kolkata-by-city results. For precise May 4 counts, refer to official results and Reuters live updates on counting day."}, {"url": "https://www.thehindu.com/elections/assembly-elections-live-updates-may-1-2026-tamil-nadu-west-bengal-assam-kerala-pondicherry-results/article70927395.ece", "title": "Assembly elections 2026 updates: SC to hear Trinamool plea on May 2 against Central staff supervising Bengal poll counting - The Hindu", "author": "The Hindu Bureau", "summary": "Summary:\n\n- SC to hear TMC\u2019s plea on May 2 challenging Election Commission rules that central staff (government/CPSU employees) supervise West Bengal poll counting, amid concerns of bias.\n- EC ordered repoll in 15 booths across Magrahat Paschim (11 booths) and Diamond Harbour (4 booths) in South 24 Parganas; counting centers under 24/7 CCTV surveillance with security tightened after Mamata Banerjee\u2019s visits.\n- West Bengal counting centers remain under heavy scrutiny; CEO Manoj Agarwal defends security measures and dismisses allegations of tampering.\n- Political reactions: BJP\u2019s Suvendu Adhikari criticizes Banerjee\u2019s presence at the counting center, calling it theatrical but not changing outcomes.\n- Context: These developments come ahead of or during the West Bengal assembly election counting process, with ongoing debate over central vs. state oversight of counting."}, {"url": "https://www.thehindu.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly/west-bengal-assembly-elections-pm-modi-rally-in-barrackpore-april-27-2026/article70911273.ece", "title": "West Bengal election 2026: Mood of Bengal suggests BJP victory in polls, will return during oath-taking ceremony: PM Modi - The Hindu", "author": "PTI", "summary": "Summary:\n- The Hindu reports Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing strong confidence that the BJP will win the West Bengal Assembly elections, with victory anticipated to be celebrated during his oath-taking ceremony after results on May 4, 2026.\n- Modi accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of \u201csyndicate raj,\u201d political violence, and economic decline during a rally in Barrackpore on the final day of campaigning for the second and last phase.\n- The piece frames BJP\u2019s mood as favorable in Bengal ahead of results, positioning Modi\u2019s return to the state for the oath-taking ceremony if BJP prevails.\n\nContext for user\u2019s query (Reuters-style framing):\n- Election: West Bengal Assembly 2026\n- Key players: BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) vs. TMC (Trinamool Congress); Mamata Banerjee as TMC leader\n- Timeline: Elections concluded by end of April 2026; results announced May 4, 2026\n- Expected outcomes: BJP contender with Modi projecting victory and upcoming oath-taking ceremony in Bengal\n- Location focus: Kolkata and Barrackpore, North 24 Parganas (campaign events)\n\nNote: The article centers on Modi\u2019s stated expectation of a BJP victory and critiques of TMC, rather than presenting final, independent election-trend data or official results. For up-to-date, data-driven results and live trends (as of May 4, 2026), refer to Reuters\u2019 live results and official electoral commission updates."}, {"url": "https://www.thehindu.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly/from-record-turnout-to-unprecedented-security-this-west-bengal-election-marked-by-many-firsts/article70921304.ece", "title": "From record turnout to unprecedented security, this West Bengal election marked by many firsts - The Hindu", "author": "Sreeparna Chakrabarty", "summary": "Summary:\n\n- The Hindu reports on the West Bengal Assembly election that concluded the second (and final) phase on April 29, 2026, highlighting it as one of the most-watched state polls in recent Indian history.\n- The article emphasizes notable firsts and unprecedented security measures during the election, underscoring a highly scrutinized counting day leading up to May 4, 2026 when results were declared.\n- While the piece focuses on turnout, security, and the overall spectacle, it frames the West Bengal polls as a landmark in terms of attention and coverage, rather than providing a detailed breakdown of party performance or specific vote shares.\n\nContext relevant to your query (Reuters-focused interests): \n- The Hindu piece signals heightened national and international interest around West Bengal results and voting dynamics, including the roles of major players (Mamata Banerjee\u2019s Trinamool Congress, BJP, CPI(M)/Left, and INC) and the Kolkata-based electoral landscape. \n- For precise trends, seat-wise results, and party-wise vote shares (as Reuters would report on May 4, 2026), consult Reuters\u2019 West Bengal results coverage for the final tally, margins, and any shifts in opinion polls versus actual results.\n\nIf you want, I can extract and compare key outcome details (who won, seat gains, vote percentages) from Reuters\u2019 May 4 coverage and align them with the \u201cfirsts\u201d noted by The Hindu."}, {"url": "https://www.thehindu.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly/record-91-turnout-in-west-bengals-phase-two-poll-total-state-turnout-highest-since-independence/article70921042.ece", "title": "West Bengal election 2026: Record 92.6% turnout in phase two poll; total State turnout highest since Independence - The Hindu", "author": "Shiv Sahay Singh, Shrabana Chatterjee", "summary": "Summary:\n\n- The Hindu reports record turnout in West Bengal\u2019s 2026 Assembly elections: 92.65% in Phase 2, bringing the total across both phases to about 93%, the highest since independence.\n- Phase 2 polling covered 142 seats across seven southern districts; strongest turnout observed in rural Purba Bardhaman (about 93.39%), with high participation also in Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and Nadia.\n- The article notes isolated unrest during the phase but focuses on the historic turnout milestone rather than full results.\n- The piece includes contextual references to prior turnout figures and mentions Chief Electoral Officer\u2019s confirmation of the record.\n\nNotes relevant to your query (Reuters-style focus you asked for):\n- This article confirms turnout milestones and phase-wise results context but does not provide final counting outcomes or trends for Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Narendra Modi (BJP), or specific Kolkata results beyond turnout data.\n- For immediate post-count trends, you may want Reuters coverage that compiles live results, party seat swing, and winner projections as votes are tallied. The Hindu\u2019s report centers on turnout metrics rather than final results."}, {"url": "https://www.thehindu.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly/bjp-tmc-hail-supreme-court-directions-on-counting-of-votes-for-west-bengal-polls/article70931236.ece", "title": "BJP, TMC hail Supreme Court directions on counting of votes for West Bengal polls - The Hindu", "author": "PTI", "summary": "Summary:\n- The Supreme Court directed that no further order was needed regarding the Election Commission\u2019s circular on deploying central government personnel for vote-counting in West Bengal.\n- Both major parties in West Bengal, the BJP and the TMC, welcomed the court\u2019s directions.\n- The SC\u2019s stance relates to the TMC\u2019s challenge to the Calcutta High Court\u2019s dismissal of its petition against the April 13 circular governing counting procedures.\n- The article frames the development in the context of West Bengal Assembly elections counting, with security measures and strongroom arrangements already in place as counting nears.\n\nRelevance to user query:\n- The user is seeking coverage around May 4, 2026, focusing on West Bengal election counting trends, statements by Mamata Banerjee (TMC) and Modi/BJP, and Kolkata results. This article confirms the SC\u2019s supportive direction on counting procedures and party reactions, which is a key element in understanding the counting process and potential trends as results emerge.\n- Note: The piece is about judicial directions on counting logistics and party responses, not the final result trends themselves. If you want live counts, exit polls, or final tallies, I can pull a dedicated summary of those items from Reuters or other agencies."}]}

Originally published by Mint.

Sources (17)

BJP will form government in Bengal with thumping majority: BJP chief Nabin - The Hindu

thehindu.com

BJP, TMC hail Supreme Court directions on counting of votes for West Bengal polls - The Hindu

thehindu.com

West Bengal election 2026: Mood of Bengal suggests BJP victory in polls, will return during oath-taking ceremony: PM Modi - The Hindu

thehindu.com

Exit polls 2026 highlights: Higher voter turnout in favour of Trinamool Congress, says Saugata Roy - The Hindu

thehindu.com

Assembly elections 2026 updates: SC to hear Trinamool plea on May 2 against Central staff supervising Bengal poll counting - The Hindu

thehindu.com

West Bengal elections | In final tally, TMC bags 213, BJP 77, ISF and Independent 1 each - The Hindu

thehindu.com

Data | Assembly election 2021: Trinamool Congress wins third straight term in West Bengal - The Hindu

thehindu.com

Mamata wins West Bengal but loses in Nandigram - The Hindu

thehindu.com

Analysis | ‘No vote for BJP’ campaign helped TMC register a massive victory - The Hindu

thehindu.com

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 | The limits to polarisation in Bengal - The Hindu

thehindu.com

West Bengal polls | List of seats going for polls in Phase 1 and 2 of elections - The Hindu

thehindu.com

Assembly Elections Results 2026: Constituency-Wise Winners, Seat Tally and May 4 Live Updates - The Hindu

thehindu.com

West Bengal Elections 2026 highlights: First phase of polling complete; estimated voter turnout crosses 92% - The Hindu

thehindu.com

Election Commission appoints 165 additional counting observers, 77 police observers for counting votes in West Bengal - The Hindu

thehindu.com

ECI announces election schedule for four States, Puducherry; two-phase polling in West Bengal - The Hindu

thehindu.com

From record turnout to unprecedented security, this West Bengal election marked by many firsts - The Hindu

thehindu.com

West Bengal election 2026: Record 92.6% turnout in phase two poll; total State turnout highest since Independence - The Hindu

thehindu.com

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