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West Bengal Election Result 2026 Live Updates: West Bengal has entered verdict day, with counting of votes for the 2026 Assembly elections now underway across 293 constituencies, bringing to a close a prolonged and intense campaign. The focus remains on whether the All India Trinamool Congress can retain power or if the Bharatiya Janata Party can make a significant breakthrough in the state.Tight security at counting centresCounting is being conducted at 77 centres under a multi-layered security grid, with central forces, CCTV surveillance and a large number of observers deployed to ensure a smooth and transparent process. The Election Commission has reiterated that strongrooms housing EVMs remain under strict, round-the-clock security, dismissing allegations of tampering raised in the run-up to counting.Record turnout amid SIR concernsThe elections, held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, recorded a voter turnout of 92.47 per cent, the highest in the state since Independence. Repolling in select booths also saw strong participation. However, the turnout has been viewed in the context of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which led to the removal of nearly 90 lakh names, making its impact a key factor in the final outcome.High-decibel campaign by key playersThe campaign saw top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, leading an aggressive push against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party, focusing on issues such as corruption, governance and law and order. TMC, in response, centred its campaign on welfare delivery, regional identity and criticism of the SIR exercise.Opposition looks to regain groundApart from the two main contenders, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Congress are also looking to regain ground after their limited presence in the previous election.Results for 293 seats todayResults are being declared for 293 seats, as polling in the Falta constituency was countermanded and will be held later this month. With high voter participation and a charged political backdrop, the outcome is expected to significantly shape the state’s political trajectory.Key highlightsCounting underway for 293 constituencies across West Bengal from 8 amTMC eyes fourth term; BJP seeks major breakthrough in key battleground state92.47% voter turnout, highest since Independence, amid SIR-linked concernsMulti-layered security in place at 77 counting centres with central forces deployedResults likely to reshape Bengal’s political landscape ahead of future contests

Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026 Live Updates: Counting of votes for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections will begin at 8 am today, with results expected to emerge throughout the day. After weeks of intense campaigning and strong voter participation, attention now shifts to counting day, when early trends, leads and final outcomes will indicate the state’s political direction over the coming years.High turnout adds to suspenseThe election was held in a single phase on April 23 across all 234 constituencies, with turnout exceeding 84.80 per cent, among the highest in the state’s electoral history. The strong participation has added an element of uncertainty, particularly in closely contested seats where even small shifts in vote share could influence outcomes. Early trends are expected within the first few hours of counting, while clearer leads and possible majority patterns may emerge by late morning or early afternoon.Structured counting process under strict securityThe counting process will follow a structured and closely monitored sequence. Postal ballots will be taken up first, followed by votes recorded in Electronic Voting Machines. Counting will proceed in multiple rounds for each constituency, with updates released after every round. Returning officers will declare final results once all rounds are completed and verified. Security remains tight at counting centres, with restricted access and continuous surveillance of strong rooms to ensure transparency and smooth conduct.Three-way contest defines the battleThe contest in Tamil Nadu has largely been shaped by a three-cornered battle between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The DMK, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, is seeking a second consecutive term based on its governance record and welfare programmes. The AIADMK, led by Edappadi K Palaniswami, is aiming for a comeback, while TVK, led by actor-politician Vijay, has emerged as a significant new entrant, particularly among younger and urban voters.TVK factor adds unpredictabilityThe entry of TVK has added complexity to the contest, with analysts suggesting that even limited seat gains could have a wider impact by redistributing votes across constituencies. In a state historically dominated by two major Dravidian parties, the presence of a third force has introduced a new layer of unpredictability, making outcomes harder to forecast.Exit polls present a divided pictureExit polls have offered mixed projections, reflecting the complexity of the contest. While some surveys suggest the DMK-led alliance may retain power, others point to a strong showing by TVK. Axis My India has projected 98 to 120 seats for TVK, with the DMK alliance at 92 to 100 and the BJP-led alliance at 22 to 32. The survey also indicates a slight edge for Vijay over MK Stalin in chief ministerial preference.Other surveys show DMK advantageOther agencies, including People’s Pulse, Matrize and P-MARQ, have projected a clearer lead for the DMK-led alliance, estimating 122 to 145 seats. The AIADMK alliance is projected between 60 and 100 seats, while TVK’s tally varies widely across surveys, ranging from single digits to several dozen seats, underlining both its potential impact and the uncertainty surrounding its performance.Leaders urge caution over projectionsPolitical leaders across parties have urged caution, emphasising that exit polls may not reflect the final outcome. AIADMK candidate Manoharan expressed confidence in a decisive victory, while BJP leader P Kanagasabapathy noted that a significant portion of exit polls can go wrong. Congress MP K Suresh said the DMK alliance would return to power with a comfortable majority, while BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan stressed the need to wait for official results.TVK confident of strong performanceTamilaga Vettri Kazhagam spokesperson Radhan Pandit dismissed exit polls, expressing confidence in a sweeping performance. He claimed the party had conducted its own internal surveys and expected a strong vote share, positioning TVK as a serious contender in the electoral landscape.Focus on trends as counting progressesAs counting progresses, attention will remain on early trends in key constituencies, the performance of new entrants such as TVK, and whether exit poll projections align with actual results. In a closely fought three-cornered contest, even small variations in vote share could significantly influence final seat outcomes and shape Tamil Nadu’s political future.Key highlightsCounting begins at 8 am across all 234 constituenciesOver 84.80% turnout adds uncertainty in closely fought seatsThree-way contest between DMK, AIADMK and Vijay-led TVKExit polls divided, with varying projections for DMK and TVKFinal outcome depends on counted votes, not survey predictions

Early trends for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections show a significant shift, with the Congress-led UDF projected for a commanding victory, leading in over 100 seats. The ruling LDF faces strong anti-incumbency, while the BJP remains a marginal player. This outcome suggests a return to Kerala's traditional pattern of alternating governments.

The 2026 assembly elections have dramatically reshaped India's political landscape. Vijay's debut in Tamil Nadu, the BJP's gains in West Bengal and Kerala's return to rotation mark significant shifts. Established powers face challenges as new forces emerge, redefining narratives and pushing others to the margins. This analysis highlights the key winners and losers.

As Mohamed Salah prepares to leave Liverpool FC, a Saudi Pro League move is no longer certain. Talks with Turkish club Fenerbahçe and his preference to stay in Europe have shifted expectations, with negotiations paused but ongoing, and his next move still open heading into a decisive summer transfer window and World Cup preparation period ahead.

Cristiano Ronaldo led Al Nassr to a crucial 2–0 win over Al Ahli, scoring the opener before tensions took over the match. Confrontations involving Merih Demiral, post-match accusations, and Ronaldo’s pointed response to fans shifted focus beyond the result, highlighting both a fierce rivalry and wider issues around refereeing and the league’s image.

The Turkish Grand Prix will return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2027 under a multi-year agreement confirmed on April 24, keeping Istanbul Park on the schedule through 2031. The move restores a circuit last used in 2021, known for its demanding layout and iconic Turn 8, as F1 continues reshaping its calendar with global expansion and venue changes.

Chitrangda Singh will star opposite Salman Khan in Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace, playing a simple, devoted woman. She said the role differs from past characters and Sudhir Mishra’s women. The film, inspired by Galwan clashes, awaits a new release date. Teaser released in 2025, with songs already out.

A viral online discovery claims to show a fleeting glimpse of Kareena Kapoor in 'Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai', despite her exiting the film before its release. This alleged continuity glitch has reignited discussions about the film's casting history, where Kareena was initially set to star before being replaced by Ameesha Patel.