Assembly Elections 2026: From West Bengal to Tamil Nadu, key seats to watch on May 4

Assembly Elections 2026: Key constituencies across West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry are set to play a decisive role as votes are counted on May 4, with BJP, TMC, DMK, AIADMK, LDF, UDF and TVK all in contention.

Polling for the Assembly elections, held between April 9 and April 29, has concluded, shifting focus to counting day. More than 25 high-profile seats across five regions have emerged as critical battlegrounds where close contests could influence the final outcome.

The BJP is aiming to retain Assam and expand its presence in southern states, while the Trinamool Congress seeks to defend its stronghold in West Bengal against a renewed BJP challenge.

In Tamil Nadu, the DMK-led alliance faces the AIADMK-BJP combine alongside the emergence of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Kerala continues its traditional LDF vs UDF contest, with the BJP attempting to build on its 2024 Lok Sabha gains. Puducherry, despite its smaller Assembly, is witnessing tightly fought contests.

25 key seats across West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry are expected to shape the May 4 results, with early trends from these constituencies likely to offer the clearest indication of the final outcome.

West Bengal

West Bengal remains one of the most closely watched states, with several key constituencies drawing attention.

In Bhabanipur, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faces BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in a politically significant contest. The result could directly impact her leadership position.

Nandigram continues to hold political significance. Suvendu Adhikari is contesting against TMC’s Pabitra Kar in a seat shaped by the 2007 land protests and the narrow 2021 result.

Kharagpur Sadar sees Dilip Ghosh take on TMC’s Pradip Sarkar, while Asansol Dakshin features BJP’s Agnimitra Paul against Tapas Banerjee.

Murshidabad has also drawn attention following voter list revisions, with BJP’s Gouri Sankar Ghosh facing TMC’s Shaoni Singha Roy.

In Moyna, former cricketer Ashoke Dinda is contesting for the BJP against TMC’s Chandan Mondal.

Bhangar remains volatile, with TMC’s Saokat Molla facing ISF’s Nawsad Siddique. Diamond Harbour, part of Abhishek Banerjee’s influence zone, is another key seat to watch.

Exit polls in the state have shown mixed trends, with projections split between a BJP edge and a strong TMC performance.

Assam

In Assam, the BJP is aiming to retain power, with several high-profile contests under focus.

Jalukbari remains crucial as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma seeks another term against Congress’s Bidisha Neog and independent Dipika Das.

Guwahati Central presents a generational contest between BJP’s Vijay Kumar Gupta and Assam Jatiya Parishad’s Kunki Chowdhury, with urban governance emerging as a key issue.

Jorhat is witnessing a key battle between BJP veteran Hitendra Nath Goswami and Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi.

Binnakandi, a newly created constituency, has emerged as a triangular contest involving AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, AGP’s Sahabuddin Mazumdar and AJP’s Rejaul Karim Chowdhury.

Exit poll projections suggest an advantage for the BJP-led alliance in the 126-member Assembly.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is witnessing a multi-cornered contest with shifting political dynamics.

Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni remains a DMK stronghold where Udhayanidhi Stalin is contesting. Kolathur, represented by Chief Minister M K Stalin, is also under focus.

Perambur has gained attention with actor Vijay entering the electoral fray through Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, potentially influencing voter sentiment.

Edappadi continues to be a key seat for AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami.

Karur has emerged as a sensitive constituency following a 2025 rally stampede. Candidates include MR Vijayabhaskar (AIADMK), Jayagopal P (BSP), Aasee M Thiagarajan (DMK) and Mathiyalagan VP (TVK).

Exit polls point to a tight three-way contest, with DMK, AIADMK-BJP and TVK all in contention.

Kerala

Kerala is witnessing another contest between the LDF and UDF, with the BJP attempting to expand its presence.

Dharmadom remains crucial as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeks another term against UDF’s VP Abdul Rasheed and BJP’s K Ranjith.

Paravur features opposition leader VD Satheesan aiming for a sixth consecutive win.

Thrissur is expected to be a close three-way contest between CPI’s Alankode Leelakrishnan, Congress’s Rajan J Pallan and BJP’s Padmaja Venugopal.

Exit polls suggest a slight edge for the UDF, though the LDF remains competitive.

Puducherry

In Puducherry, several constituencies are expected to influence the final outcome.

Thattanchavady features a direct contest between Congress leader V Vaithilingam and Chief Minister N Rangasamy.

Raj Bhavan sees BJP’s V P Ramalingam contest against DMK’s Vignesh Kannan.

Lawspet and Thirubhuvanai are witnessing multi-cornered contests involving AINRC, TVK and other parties.

Exit polls indicate an advantage for the BJP-led NDA in the Union Territory.