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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.<br /><br />Tight security at counting centres<br /><br />Counting 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.<br /><br />Record turnout amid SIR concerns<br /><br />The 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.<br /><br />High-decibel campaign by key players<br /><br />The 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.<br /><br />Opposition looks to regain ground<br /><br />Apart 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.<br /><br />Results for 293 seats today<br /><br />Results 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.<br /><br />Key highlights<br /><ul><li>Counting underway for 293 constituencies across West Bengal from 8 am</li><li>TMC eyes fourth term; BJP seeks major breakthrough in key battleground state</li><li>92.47% voter turnout, highest since Independence, amid SIR-linked concerns</li><li>Multi-layered security in place at 77 counting centres with central forces deployed</li><li>Results likely to reshape Bengal’s political landscape ahead of future contests</li></ul>

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.<br /><br />High turnout adds to suspense<br /><br />The 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.<br /><br />Structured counting process under strict security<br /><br />The 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.<br /><br />Three-way contest defines the battle<br /><br />The 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.<br /><br />TVK factor adds unpredictability<br /><br />The 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.<br /><br />Exit polls present a divided picture<br /><br />Exit 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.<br /><br />Other surveys show DMK advantage<br /><br />Other 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.<br /><br />Leaders urge caution over projections<br /><br />Political 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.<br /><br />TVK confident of strong performance<br /><br />Tamilaga 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.<br /><br />Focus on trends as counting progresses<br /><br />As 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.<br /><br />Key highlights<br /><ul><li>Counting begins at 8 am across all 234 constituencies</li><li>Over 84.80% turnout adds uncertainty in closely fought seats</li><li>Three-way contest between DMK, AIADMK and Vijay-led TVK</li><li>Exit polls divided, with varying projections for DMK and TVK</li><li>Final outcome depends on counted votes, not survey predictions</li></ul>

Trump launches Project Freedom as US forces move to escort stranded ships through Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM says the mission will restore safe navigation in the world’s most vital oil corridor. Iran has warned any American interference will be seen as a ceasefire violation, raising fears of a fresh Gulf confrontation. Trump says trapped crews need food, sanitation, and urgent humanitarian relief. The Strait handles massive global oil flows, making any clash a threat to energy prices and world markets. Watch the latest updates as Washington and Tehran face a dangerous new standoff at sea.#Trump #Iran #Hormuz #StraitOfHormuz #USNavy #CENTCOM #MiddleEast #BreakingNews #OilPrices #ProjectFreedom #Tehran #WorldNews #GulfCrisis #ShippingCrisis #DonaldTrump

A 35-year-old former South Asian-origin employee of JP Morgan Chase has made some shocking claims of being pressured into “non-consensual and humiliating” sexual encounters by a senior female colleague. She has categorically denied all allegations

Tamil Nadu witnesses a seismic shift as actor Vijay's party leads, ending decades of Dravidian rule. The BJP achieves a historic win in West Bengal, unseating Mamata Banerjee. Kerala returns to its rotation cycle with the UDF forming the government, while Assam shows pro-incumbency can prevail. These results signal a significant political churn across India.

US fuel prices have surged to record levels, intensifying economic pressure on American households amid the ongoing Iran conflict. According to market data, gasoline prices have climbed sharply, with the national average hitting historic highs as global supply chains face disruption. Analysts link the spike to instability in key oil routes and rising geopolitical tensions. With prices still rising and uncertainty over energy markets, concerns are growing about further economic strain in the weeks ahead.

A shocking assassination plot has emerged after WHCD shooting suspect Cole Allen allegedly targeted US President Donald Trump. Prosecutors say Allen was “armed to the teeth,” thought he was “Rambo,” and even shot a Secret Service age, ruling out friendly fire. With a manifesto, weapons, and chilling evidence, the case is sending shockwaves across Washington.

If CPM-led LDF loses in Kerala on May 4, India will see its first Left-free govt landscape in nearly half a century. The bigger story? Communist parties failed to find a new vocabulary for new India

Kerala Election Results 2026 Live: Kerala’s Assembly election recorded a strong voter turnout of 78.27 per cent, reflecting active participation across all 140 constituencies. Voting was held in a single phase on April 9, and counting has now begun. Given Kerala’s politically aware electorate and historically narrow victory margins, even small shifts in vote share are expected to strongly influence early trends, which are likely to emerge within a few hours.<br /><br /><b>Kerala Election Results 2026: Shift from bipolar to triangular contest</b><br /><br />This election marks a gradual shift from Kerala’s traditional bipolar structure, dominated by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), to a more competitive triangular contest. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has emerged as a third force, adding complexity to the electoral landscape. While the LDF and UDF continue to dominate in terms of seat share, the BJP’s consistent vote share of around 10 to 16 per cent has made several constituencies more competitive and unpredictable.<br /><br /><b>Kerala Election Results 2026: Key leaders and alliances in focus</b><br /><br />Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is seeking a rare third consecutive term, banking on his governance record that emphasises welfare schemes, infrastructure development and administrative control. The Congress-led UDF, under the leadership of VD Satheesan, has positioned itself as the primary challenger, focusing on governance accountability, fiscal stress and unemployment. Meanwhile, the BJP, led by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, is attempting to expand its footprint by highlighting economic concerns and job creation, particularly in select urban and semi-urban regions.<br /><br /><b>Kerala Election Results 2026: Core issues shape voter sentiment</b><br /><br />The election has been influenced by a range of key issues, including unemployment, rising public debt, youth migration and debates over Kerala’s welfare model. Governance performance and administrative efficiency have also emerged as central themes in the campaign. Additionally, the Sabarimala controversy continues to have political resonance, particularly for the BJP, adding a socio-religious dimension to the electoral narrative and influencing voter mobilisation in certain constituencies.<br /><br /><b>Kerala Election Results 2026: Exit polls point to tight contest</b><br /><br />Exit polls indicate a closely fought election, with projections divided between a narrow UDF advantage and a possible LDF continuation in power. The 2021 Assembly election highlighted how competitive Kerala contests can be, with several seats decided by very small margins. Current projections suggest a similar scenario, where no single alliance has a clear and overwhelming lead.<br /><br /><b>Kerala Election Results 2026: Outcome hinges on marginal shifts</b><br /><br />With high voter turnout and a fragmented vote base, the final outcome is expected to depend on small but decisive shifts across key constituencies rather than any sweeping statewide trend. As counting progresses, attention will remain on early leads, swing seats and the performance of the NDA as a third force. The verdict will ultimately determine whether Kerala continues with the incumbent government or returns to its traditional pattern of political alternation.<br /><br /><b>Kerala Election Results 2026: Key highlights</b><br /><br /><ul><li>78.27% turnout across 140 constituencies reflects strong voter participation</li><li>Counting begins at 8 am today; early trends expected within hours</li><li>Contest evolving into triangular fight with NDA as third force</li><li>Pinarayi Vijayan seeks rare third consecutive term</li><li>Final outcome likely to hinge on narrow margins and constituency-level shifts</li></ul>

Two U.S. service members have been reported missing in southwestern Morocco after participating in African Lion 2026, the largest annual joint military exercise on the African continent, the United States Africa Command said. The pair disappeared near the Cap Draa Training Area close to the city of Tan Tan on May 2, prompting a coordinated search and rescue operation involving U.S., Moroccan, and partner forces, with ground, air, and maritime assets deployed as the urgent search continues.

<b>Assam Election Results 2026 Live: </b>As Assam moves towards the counting of votes, political focus is firmly on whether the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) can secure a third consecutive term or if the Congress can stage a comeback. <br /><br />The counting for all 126 seats began at 8 am today.<br /><br />The campaign has been closely contested, shaped by identity politics, welfare delivery and regional aspirations. The verdict across 126 constituencies is being keenly watched, particularly in key battleground seats that could influence the final outcome.<br /><br /><b>Exit polls indicate NDA edge<br /></b><br />Exit poll projections largely point towards an advantage for the BJP-led alliance, with most surveys predicting a comfortable majority. The Congress, on the other hand, is expected to trail significantly across these projections. While the BJP appears to be ahead in most estimates, the final outcome will depend entirely on actual vote counting, with regional factors and constituency-level dynamics playing a crucial role.<br /><br /><b>Large candidate pool in fray<br /></b><br />A total of 722 candidates are contesting across the state, reflecting the scale and intensity of the electoral battle. The BJP leads in the number of nominations, followed by the Congress, AIUDF, and a mix of regional and smaller parties. Additionally, 258 Independent candidates are in the fray, adding further complexity to the contest. The presence of multiple candidates in several constituencies could influence vote splits and impact final margins.<br /><br /><b>Key leaders and high-stakes contests<br /></b><br />Several prominent leaders are contesting in this election, making it a high-stakes battle in many constituencies. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma remains a central figure, while Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi is also under close watch. Other notable candidates include Debabrata Saikia, Badruddin Ajmal, Akhil Gogoi, Atul Bora and Keshab Mahanta. Their performance is expected to play a significant role in shaping the overall political outcome in the state.<br /><br /><b>Crucial constituencies to watch<br /></b><br />A number of constituencies are expected to be decisive in determining the final results. Jalukbari, represented by Himanta Biswa Sarma, remains a key BJP stronghold in Guwahati. Jorhat has emerged as a closely contested seat, while Nazira in Sivasagar is known for narrow margins and strong political legacy. Sivasagar itself continues to be a crucial grassroots battleground, particularly with Akhil Gogoi’s presence. In the capital region, Dispur stands out as an important urban constituency with administrative significance. Other key seats include Golaghat, Bokakhat, Kaliabor, Barchalla and Rupahihat, all of which could influence the broader electoral picture.<br /><br /><b>Coalition dynamics in focus<br /></b><br />Assam’s current Assembly reflects a coalition structure, with the BJP holding 64 seats and supported by allies such as AGP, UPPL and BPF. Since its breakthrough in 2016, the BJP has emerged as the dominant political force in the state, but it has often relied on alliances to secure a governing majority. This election will test whether the party can consolidate its position further or continue to depend on coalition support.<br /><br /><b>Outcome to test BJP’s dominance<br /></b><br />The 2026 Assembly election results will be crucial in determining whether the BJP can translate its electoral strength into a standalone majority or if the opposition can regain ground. With identity issues, welfare measures and regional dynamics influencing voter behaviour, the verdict is expected to have significant implications for Assam’s political trajectory in the coming years.<br /><br /><b>Key highlights</b><br /><br /><ul><li>Counting to begin for 126 constituencies across Assam</li><li>Exit polls project a comfortable lead for BJP-led NDA</li><li>Over 700 candidates in fray, including several key political figures</li><li>Crucial battleground seats expected to influence final outcome</li><li>Verdict to test BJP’s dominance and opposition’s comeback chances</li></ul>

Puducherry Election Results 2026 Live Updates: Counting begins across 30 constituencies as the ruling NDA eyes a second term. The Puducherry assembly elections, held on April 9, witnessed a historic voter turnout of 89.87%—the highest since the former French colony’s merger with India in 1964. All eyes are now on the counting of votes, which will begin at 8 am today.<br /><br />The polling process<br /><br />According to the Puducherry Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), counting will take place at six centres across the four regions of the Union Territory: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.<br /><br />A total of 166 counting tables have been set up for the counting of votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPATs, along with 35 tables dedicated to postal ballot counting.<br /><br />The contestants<br /><br />The contest was primarily between two major alliances: the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Congress-DMK alliance. The NDA consisted of chief minister N Rangasamy’s All India NR Congress (AINRC), the BJP, AIADMK, and the newly formed Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi (LJK). Under the seat-sharing arrangement, AINRC contested 16 seats and the BJP 14. From its share, the BJP allotted two seats each to AIADMK and LJK, while fielding candidates in 10 constituencies itself.<br /><br />On the opposition side, Congress contested 16 seats and DMK 14, though the two allies also engaged in “friendly fights” in five constituencies.<br /><br />The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by superstar Vijay, also entered the fray. Making its electoral debut, the party contested 28 constituencies and allotted two seats to Neyam Makkal Kazhagam, another newly formed outfit.<br /><br />Battle of Thattanchavady<br /><br />Among the 30 assembly constituencies, Thattanchavady emerged as the most high-profile seat, with chief Minister N Rangasamy pitted against Congress leader V Vaithilingam, a former two-term chief minister and the current MP from the Union Territory’s lone Lok Sabha seat. Rangasamy, who is seeking a second consecutive term as an NDA chief minister—his fifth overall—is also the sitting MLA from Thattanchavady in Puducherry district.<br /><br />Key highlights<br /><ul><li>Puducherry assembly is a 33-member House. While 30 members are elected by voters, three are nominated by the central government.</li><li>Besides Thattanchavady, Rangasamy contested from Mangalam. In 2021, too, he contested two seats: Thattanchavady (won) and Yanam (lost)</li><li>The 89.87% polling surpassed the previous record of 85.57% turnout from the 2011 Puducherry assembly polls.</li><li>Puducherry has not re-elected a government since 2006, when the Congress secured a second consecutive term.</li><li>On that occasion, Rangasamy led the Congress to victory, securing his own re-election as a two-term CM. He launched AINRC in 2011 and won two more terms (2011 and 2021).</li></ul>