As per early counting trends, Mamata Banerjee is leading from the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in West Bengal. These figures are based on initial trends and are not final.

In Tamil Nadu, early trends show the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK+) alliance leading in 20 seats, while the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK+) alliance is ahead in 15 seats. These figures are based on initial trends and are not final.

In Kerala, early trends show a close contest between the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF), with 29 and 28 seats respectively. These figures are based on initial counting trends and are not final.

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Early trends indicate that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in West Bengal with 29 seats, while the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) is at 20. These figures are based on initial counting trends and are not final.

On the counting of votes, Siliguri Commissioner of Police Syed Waqar Raza told ANI, “Everything will be done peacefully. All things are in proper order. Frisking is being done here, and there is a three-tier security system, and we hope that everything goes fine.”

Counting of votes has commenced for high-stakes elections across 823 seats spanning four states and one Union Territory. Election officials have begun the process at designated counting centres under tight security and monitoring, with early trends expected to emerge shortly.

Speaking to ANI, Dilip Ghosh, BJP candidate from the Kharagpur Assembly constituency, said, “…people here want change to happen here. BJP will form the government with good numbers… There was no law and order in Bengal before. Since the Election Commission took everything into their hands, the way peaceful elections happened, counting will also happen like that, and a new government will also take oath like that…”

The strong room at the Women’s Engineering College in Lawspet has been opened ahead of the vote counting process for the Puducherry Elections 2026. Officials are preparing the counting centre, with counting of votes set to begin shortly.

The strong room in Thiruvananthapuram has been opened ahead of the counting process for the Kerala Elections 2026. Officials are making necessary preparations as the counting of votes is set to begin shortly at designated centres.

Authorised counting agents from contesting parties have begun taking their designated seats inside counting halls. Each agent has been issued a QR-coded photo ID card, which was verified at three security checkpoints. Agents are permitted to observe the opening of EVMs, the reading of results from each machine, and the VVPAT verification process. They are not allowed to use phones or recording devices.

While vote counting has not started, the ECI has released final voter turnout figures from the polling phases. West Bengal recorded approximately 82%, Tamil Nadu 76%, Kerala 78%, Assam 81%, and Puducherry 85%. These figures are historical participation rates and do not imply any lead or trend. The Commission notes that these numbers are for informational purposes only and are not indicative of election results.

As counting has not yet begun, the ECI reports that no unofficial results, exit poll data, or partial trends are circulating through official channels. The Commission has reiterated that any unauthorised dissemination of counting-related information before the first round is signed off will be treated as a violation of its guidelines. Social media monitoring teams are active across all five states.

According to standard ECI procedure, postal ballots will be counted first in every constituency. This includes votes cast by service personnel, election duty officials, and elderly or disabled voters who opted for the postal facility. Only after the postal ballot count is complete will officials proceed to EVM-based counting. This sequence is expected to take approximately 30–45 minutes per constituency.

The sealed strong rooms housing EVMs will be opened at approximately 7:30 AM in the presence of candidates or their authorised agents. The entire opening process will be recorded on CCTV, as mandated by ECI guidelines. Officials note that the seals on each machine are being inspected by both election staff and political party representatives before any counting begins.

Counting personnel across all five states have completed their final briefings as of 6:45 AM. Returning Officers reiterated that no new round of counting may begin until the previous round’s data is verified and signed. Staff have also been instructed on the handling of disputed ballots and the protocol for raising objections. All personnel have surrendered mobile phones and personal electronic devices.

Officials have confirmed that results will be uploaded only after each round’s figures are signed off by the respective Returning Officer. The portal has been load-tested to handle high traffic, and a dedicated technical team is monitoring the site for any disruptions.

As per the ECI’s earlier directive, the Falta constituency in West Bengal will not be part of today’s counting. Fresh polling has been ordered for all 285 booths in this seat following reports of disruption during the original voting phase. The re-poll is scheduled for May 21, with counting now set for May 24. No results from Falta will be available today.

The ECI has established designated Media Centres adjacent to each counting centre to facilitate authorised journalists. Entry is restricted to those holding valid authority letters issued by the Commission. Separate viewing areas have been arranged for television crews, while print media personnel have been allocated seated workspace. No electronic devices other than approved cameras are permitted inside the counting zone.

At each counting centre, officials have set aside VVPAT slips from five randomly selected polling booths per assembly constituency. These will be matched against EVM counts once tabulation begins. The VVPAT verification is a mandatory statutory requirement, and election staff have confirmed that all paper trails are intact and sealed.

District Election Officers have confirmed that final inspections of counting halls were completed by 6:30 AM. Tables have been arranged according to ECI specifications, with separate areas designated for each round of counting. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) remain stored in strong rooms under 24/7 CCTV surveillance, and the seal-opening procedure is yet to begin.

For the first time in an assembly election, the ECI has activated its new QR code-based photo identification system at counting hall entry points. Authorised individuals—including Returning Officers, counting agents, and candidates—must undergo a manual ID check at two outer tiers, followed by a QR code scan at the innermost cordon. Officials report that the system is functioning smoothly across all states.

As of 7:00 AM, all 824 counting centres across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry have been placed under a multi-tier security lockdown. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are controlling access to the inner perimeters, while state police manage outer zones. No unauthorised personnel have been permitted entry. The Election Commission has confirmed that the security protocol will remain in force until the last round of counting concludes.