Kolkata, May 4: Early counting trends in the West Bengal Assembly elections indicate a significant lead for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the party ahead in a majority of constituencies, outpacing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) within the first few hours of vote counting on Monday.
According to data available on the Election Commission of India website by 11:30 a.m., trends from 232 out of 293 Assembly constituencies show BJP candidates leading in 147 seats. The TMC follows with leads in 82 constituencies, while the Left Front–All India Secular Front (AISF) alliance and the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) are leading in one seat each.
The early lead positions signal a strong showing by the BJP across the state, placing the ruling TMC on the back foot as counting progresses. The trends, however, remain subject to change as more rounds of counting are completed.
In Murshidabad district, Humayun Kabir, founder of AJUP and a former TMC MLA, is leading from the Rejinagar Assembly constituency, marking a notable development in a minority-dominated region.
Meanwhile, in one of the most closely watched contests, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is trailing marginally against BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata, as per trends available till 11 a.m. Adhikari is also leading from the Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district, where he is contesting simultaneously alongside Bhabanipur.
Authorities have issued advisories to maintain law and order following the declaration of results. Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal stated that any victory procession across districts will require prior approval from the respective district magistrate and district electoral officer.
Agarwal also urged political parties to exercise restraint after the results are officially declared, stressing that electoral outcomes should not lead to unrest. He highlighted the need for maintaining peace regardless of victory or defeat in the democratic process.
In a preventive measure against post-poll violence, the Election Commission of India has decided to retain 700 companies of central forces in the state until further orders. The move comes in the backdrop of violence reported after the 2021 Assembly elections.
Additionally, repolling for the entire Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district is scheduled for May 21, with the results to be announced on May 24.
As counting continues, the evolving trends remain crucial in determining the final outcome of a closely contested electoral battle in one of India’s most politically significant states.
