As India wakes up to counting day on May 4, the wait is down to just hours before the political suspense across five key battlegrounds – West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry – begins to unravel, vote by vote.
After weeks of intense campaigning, bitter exchanges and high voter turnout, the fate of governments now rests inside sealed EVMs under heavy security, with counting set to begin in a few hours.
With rival camps making bold claims and tensions running high, today’s verdict is expected to not only decide state governments but also send a strong signal about the national political mood.
BENGAL REMAINS THE FIERCEST BATTLEGROUND
West Bengal continues to be the most charged arena, with both the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) making aggressive claims.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari struck a spiritual note, saying, “I offered prayers. God is with us. A government that protects the interests of Sanatan Dharma is coming.”
The TMC, however, remains confident of retaining power. Party leader Kunal Ghosh said, “Mamata Banerjee is coming back with more than 200 seats,” while also raising concerns over facilities for counting agents.
The party flagged alleged security lapses at strong rooms, claims denied by the Election Commission, which said all EVMs are “safe and secure”.
REPOLL ROW ADDS TO TENSION
Tensions escalated after the Election Commission ordered repolling in all 285 booths of the Falta constituency, citing “severe electoral offences”.
The decision triggered sharp reactions. TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee demanded accountability, while BJP leaders dismissed the move as political frustration.
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi said, “If, despite deploying over 2.5 lakh central forces, repolling has to be conducted, what could be more shameful for the Election Commission?”
Security has been tightened across Kolkata, with CRPF teams inspecting strong rooms and party workers gathering outside counting centres.
TAMIL NADU EYES CONTINUITY
In Tamil Nadu, the DMK-led alliance is widely expected to retain power, backed by exit polls and strong turnout.
VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan said, “The DMK-led alliance will secure a decisive victory and form the government with an absolute majority.”
Authorities have implemented a three-tier security system, along with QR code-based identity verification at counting centres.
ASSAM SEES DIRECT BJP-CONGRESS FIGHT
In Assam, the BJP is seeking another term, banking on its governance record.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, “In Assam and Puducherry, the BJP will win for sure.”
Opposition leaders remain hopeful. MLA Aminul Islam said, “People have rejected corruption and placed their trust in a clear face.”
High voter turnout, particularly among women, could play a decisive role.
KERALA CONTEST DEFIES PATTERN
Kerala presents a closely watched contest, with the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) seeking to break the state’s pattern of alternating governments.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is eyeing a comeback, while leaders continue to trade claims over the outcome.
Imran Pratapgarhi said, “In none of these five states will a BJP government be formed.”
PUDUCHERRY HOLDS STRATEGIC VALUE
In Puducherry, the BJP-led NDA is aiming to consolidate its position, while the Congress-DMK alliance is looking to regain ground.
The Union Territory recorded one of the highest voter turnouts, making the contest closely watched.
CLAIMS, COUNTER-CLAIMS DOMINATE NARRATIVE
As counting to get underway, both sides have struck confident notes.
Congress leader Pawan Khera said, “We are absolutely confident that a decisive mandate is coming against the oppressive governments.”
Union Minister Sanjay Seth said, “The lotus is blooming across the country, and it is spreading even faster.”
ALL EYES ON COUNTING DAY
With record participation, heightened security and continued allegations, the stage is set for a crucial verdict.
Will incumbents hold their ground or will voters opt for change? The answers will begin to emerge today, seat by seat, round by round.
– Ends
