Most exit polls released on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, following the second phase of voting in West Bengal, have painted a picture of varied outcomes across several Indian states heading into results day. While a tight contest is expected in West Bengal, the BJP-led NDA appears headed for victory in Assam and Puducherry, the DMK-led alliance maintains a lead in Tamil Nadu, and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is shown ahead in Kerala.
In West Bengal, the battle between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP-led NDA is projected to be extremely close. Several pollsters indicated the BJP was either slightly ahead or locked in a neck-and-neck race after the second phase of polling.
PMARQ projected 118-138 seats for the TMC-led alliance and 150-175 for the BJP. Matrize estimated 125-140 seats for TMC+ and 146-161 for the BJP.
JVC gave 131-152 seats to TMC+ and 138-159 to the BJP, with Congress picking up around two seats.
The high-stakes contest has kept political observers on edge, with both major alliances claiming momentum on the ground.
In Tamil Nadu, the DMK-led coalition is seen maintaining a comfortable lead according to most exit polls. However, Axis My India has projected a significant surge for actor-turned-politician Vijay’s newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), suggesting the party could emerge as a notable force and potentially disrupt traditional vote patterns in the state.
The BJP-led NDA is expected to secure victories in both Assam and Puducherry, consolidating its position in the region. Meanwhile, in Kerala, the UDF is shown leading, indicating a possible shift in the southern state’s political landscape.
These exit polls provide an early indication of voter preferences, though final results, expected in the coming days, will determine the actual outcomes. Political parties across the spectrum are now gearing up for what could be closely fought battles in several states.
