Vote counting has begun in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, as well as the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Tamil Nadu
Elections for all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu were held on April 23, with a record voter turnout of over 85%. This time, the state witnessed a three-cornered contest between:
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay
Early trends show all three parties performing competitively, raising the possibility of a hung assembly if this trend continues. To form the government, a party or alliance needs at least 118 seats.
Most exit polls predicted a win for the DMK alliance led by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, which includes Congress, VCK, and Left parties. However, some polls like My Axis India suggested a possible victory for Vijay’s TVK. The AIADMK alliance, led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, includes BJP, PMK, and AMMK.
Kerala
In Kerala, polling was held in a single phase on April 9 after the notification was issued on March 16. The state recorded a turnout of 79.63%.
The main contest is traditionally between:
The Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Pinarayi Vijayan and dominated by CPI(M)
The United Democratic Front (UDF), led by Congress
The BJP-led NDA is also trying to expand its presence in the state. Exit polls suggest a slight edge for the UDF. The Kerala Assembly has 140 seats, and the majority mark is 71.
Puducherry
Polling in Puducherry took place on April 9. The Union Territory, which often reflects Tamil Nadu’s political trends, is witnessing a contest mainly between two alliances, with TVK also in the fray.
The NDA alliance includes:All India NR Congress led by Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy
BJP and AIADMK
The Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) includes:Congress and DMK
Rangaswamy contested from Thattanchavady and Mannadipet constituencies, facing Congress leader and former CM V. Vaithilingam in a key battle.
Out of 33 Assembly seats, elections were held for 30, while 3 members were nominated by the central government. Most exit polls predict that the NDA alliance led by Rangaswamy will return to power.
Overall, counting trends across these regions indicate closely fought contests, especially in Tamil Nadu, where a hung assembly remains a real possibility if current patterns continue.
Total seats and majority mark (magic figure):
West Bengal: 294 seats | Majority: 148
Tamil Nadu: 234 seats | Majority: 118
Kerala: 140 seats | Majority: 71
Assam: 126 seats | Majority: 64
Puducherry: 30 seats | Majority: 16
