The counting of votes polled in 822 assembly constituencies in Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry is underway amid tight Covid-19 guidelines.

09:03 PM (IST) May 02
08:54 PM (IST) May 02
Seems like the final word in the Nandigram electoral battle is yet to be spoken.
Three-member Trinamool Congress delegation is meeting Chief Electoral Officer at EC office in Kolkata seeking a recount of votes in Nandigram and other issues.
08:42 PM (IST) May 02
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on her election victory.
08:16 PM (IST) May 02
After defeating Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram, Suvendu Adhikari takes to Twitter to say, "My sincere thanks to great people of Nandigram for choosing me as their representative & MLA from Nandigram. It's my never-ending commitment to be of service to them."
07:06 PM (IST) May 02
BJP leaders are calling the party's win in Nandigram as a consolation win. But more than that some are calling it a "taint on TMC's victory."
Here's Amit Malviya's Twitter post.
07:03 PM (IST) May 02
In a shocking twist, the Election Commission has retracted from its earlier announcement of Mamata Banerjee's win in Nandigram.
Mamata Banerjee loses to Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram by 1957 votes.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee had earlier said, "Don't worry about Nandigram. I struggled for Nandigram because I fought a movement. It's ok. Let the Nandigram people give whatever verdict they want. I accept that. I don't mind. We won more than 221 seats and BJP has lost the election."
05:49 PM (IST) May 02
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan briefs the media after winning the election but starts with Covid-19 figures of the state.
Kerala today reported 31,950 new Covid-19 cases and 49 deaths
Later, Pinarayi said: "Kerala has given a verdict in favour of the LDF. It's a thumping win. But this is not the time for massive celebrations as Covid-19 continues to spread. This is the time to continue the fight against Covid-19."
05:32 PM (IST) May 02
There are reports coming in of post-poll violence from West Bengal.
While BJP office in Arambagh was set on fire, violence reportedly broke out in Beleghata.
The BJP has alleged TMC hand behind the arson and violence.
04:28 PM (IST) May 02
BJP's Suvendu Adhikari beats Mamata Banerjee, wins Nandigram by 1622 votes
04:13 PM (IST) May 02
Bharatiya Janata Party has conceded defeat in the West Bengal assembly election. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to congratulate Mamata Banerjee.
04:08 PM (IST) May 02
DMK chief MK Stalin issues a statement in which he tells party cadre, "Our success is a guaranteed success. However, since there is an epidemic, all the volunteers have to act with much more care. I had already issued a statement saying that success celebrations should be avoided. It should not be the cause of contagion and spread."
"Avoid celebrations such as fireworks. Those in charge of the counting centres should be vigilant. Don't come out until the full vote count," he said.
04:05 PM (IST) May 02
'Metro Man' E Sreedharan has been defeated in the Palakkad assembly constituency by Congress' Shafi Parambhi with a margin of over 3000 votes
03:20 PM (IST) May 02
Election strategist Prashant Kishor has just made a massive announcement.
Speaking to television channel NDTV, Kishor said: "I want to quit this space, quit I-PAC and leave it to my colleagues to handle. I want to do something else in life."
"I have no desire to continue in this space whatsoever. Those who were trying to troll me, I am telling them in the victory, I don't want to do it any longer."
"I wanted to quit at a time when I am not accused of running away. This seems like the right time to do so," Prashant Kishor said.
03:02 PM (IST) May 02
The latest trends coming now indicate that Mamata Banerjee is set to sweep the West Bengal election once again with leads on 202 seats. The BJP is leading on 87 seats.
In Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front is on course for another term with leads on 97 out of 140 seats. The Congress-led United Democratic Front is leading on 43 seats.
In Tamil Nadu, the DMK-Congress combine is emerging as the clear frontrunner for the election. The DMK-Congress combine is leading on 150 seats out of 234. The AIADMK-BJP alliance is leading on 83.
In Puducherry, former Chief Minister N Rangasamy's All India NR Congress is ahead of the Congress party.
In Assam, BJP looks set to come to power on its own. The BJP-led NDA has taken the lead on 77 seats followed by the UPA on 48.
02:12 PM (IST) May 02
01:56 PM (IST) May 02
Election Commission has asked chief secretaries to lodge FIR over celebratory congregations in anticipation of poll victory and suspend police station in charges where such gatherings happen.
01:50 PM (IST) May 02
National Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar congratulates Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee as she gallops her way to power for a third term as Chief Minister.
01:48 PM (IST) May 02
Mamata wave
Mamata Banerjee is set to return to power for the third time with almost the same number of seats as she did in 2016. What makes the victory even more special is the fact that the Trinamool Congress was hit by a wave of desertions in the run-up to the elections and Mamata and her nephew Abhishek were at the centre of BJP's onslaught.
BJP surge
BJP is the biggest gainer politically in this election. From three seats in 2016 to over 80 in 2021, the party has emerged as the principal opposition in the state. The BJP's poll performance can be attributed to the campaign blitz by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda and other top leaders of the party.
Congress rout
Congress has managed to salvage lead on only one seat out of 240. To recall, Congress had won 44 seats in the 2016 assembly election. The Congress-Left alliance could not match the BJP's campaign blitz led by Prime Minister Modi. The party seemed more focused on the elections in Assam and Kerala with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra campaigning there.
Left wipeout
One of the biggest stories emerging from the West Bengal election verdict is the wipeout of the Communist party in the state. In the 2016 West Bengal assembly elections, the CPI-M had won 26 seats while AIFB won 2 seats and CPI got 1. This time, however, the Left has drawn a blank
01:27 PM (IST) May 02
One of the biggest stories emerging from the West Bengal election verdict is the wipeout of the Communist party in the state.
In the 2016 West Bengal assembly elections, the CPI-M had won 26 seats while AIFB won 2 seats and CPI got 1.
This time, however, the Left has drawn a blank.
01:16 PM (IST) May 02
Kerala
Congress currently is the second-largest party with leads on 25 seats and 24.7 per cent of the votes, according to the Election Commission. Congress had won 21 seats in the 2016 assembly elections as well
West Bengal
Congress has managed to salvage lead on 1 seat out of 240. To recall, Congress had won 44 seats in West Bengal in 2016 assembly elections.
Assam
Congress is the second-largest party with leads on 26 seats and 30 per cent of the votes. Congress had won 26 seats in the 2016 assembly elections as well
Tamil Nadu
Congress is seen leading on 12 seats. Congress had won 8 seats in Tamil Nadu 2016 assembly elections.
Puducherry
Congress is seen leading on 2 seats. Congress had won 15 seats in the 2016 assembly elections
01:00 PM (IST) May 02
The Election Commission takes serious note of violation of its directives banning victory celebrations by parties.
Election Commission asks state chief secretaries "to take immediate action to stop such gatherings".
DMK cadre were seen celebrating outside the party headquaters in Chennai.
Similar reports have also been coming in from West Bengal.
12:51 PM (IST) May 02
Election strategist Prashant Kishor's December 2020 prediction seems to be coming true in West Bengal.
12:49 PM (IST) May 02
The latest trends coming now indicate that Mamata Banerjee is set to sweep the West Bengal election once again with leads on 208 seats. The BJP is leading on 80 seats.
In Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front is on course for another term with leads on 93 out of 140 seats. The Congress-led United Democratic Front is leading on 45 seats.
In Tamil Nadu, the DMK-Congress combine is emerging as the clear frontrunner for the election. The DMK-Congress combine is leading on 139 seats out of 234. The AIADMK-BJP alliance is leading on 92.
In Puducherry, former Chief Minister N Rangasamy's All India NR Congress is ahead of the Congress party.
In Assam, BJP looks set to come to power on its own. The BJP-led NDA has taken the lead on 81 seats followed by the UPA on 45.
12:38 PM (IST) May 02
As soon as the DMK breached the halfway mark of 118 in the Tamil Nadu assembly, hundreds of party supporters, including women were seen gathering in the streets for victory celebrations.
While some were seen carrying DMK chief MK Stalin's posters and bursting crackers, women were seen dancing and feeding sweets.
The scenes come despite the Madras High Court giving clear directions banning all such celebrations and gatherings amidst rising positive and death cases.
11:53 AM (IST) May 02
The latest trends coming in now indicate that Mamata Banerjee is set to sweep the West Bengal election once again with leads on 200 seats. The BJP is leading on 89 seats.
In Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front seems to have set course for another term with leads on 89 out of 140 seats. The Congress-led United Democratic Front is leading on 48 seats.
In Tamil Nadu, the DMK-Congress combine could well emerge on top. The DMK-Congress combine is leading on 136 seats out of 234. The AIADMK-BJP alliance is leading on 97.
In Puducherry, former Chief Minister N Rangasamy's All India NR Congress is ahead of the Congress party.
In Assam, NDA has taken the early lead on 85 seats followed by the UPA on 40.
11:39 AM (IST) May 02
11:35 AM (IST) May 02
First result coming in from Kerala. CPI-M candidate and sitting MLA TP Ramakrishnan wins from Perambara
11:14 AM (IST) May 02
The latest trends coming in now indicate that Mamata Banerjee is in the driver's seat in West Bengal with leads on 194 seats. The BJP is leading on 93 seats.
In Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front seems to have set course for another term with leads on 92 out of 140 seats. The Congress-led United Democratic Front is leading on 45 seats.
In Tamil Nadu, the DMK-Congress combine could emerge on top. The DMK-Congress combine is leading on 131 seats out of 234. The AIADMK-BJP alliance is leading on 102.
In Puducherry, former Chief Minister N Rangasamy's All India NR Congress is ahead of the Congress party.
In Assam, NDA has taken the early lead on 83 seats followed by the UPA on 39.
11:05 AM (IST) May 02
As per early trends from Puducherry, NDA is leading in 9 out of 30 seats while UPA is ahead in 2
10:57 AM (IST) May 02
Here's the first Congress response on the unfolding West Bengal verdict:
10:45 AM (IST) May 02
Ignoring the trends which show Mamata Banerjee's TMC in the lead, the BJP is refusing to concede defeat in West Bengal.
Kailash Vijayvargiya, BJP says, "It is too early to say anything because there are so many rounds. Situation will be clear only by evening. We had started from 3 and were challenged that we won't get even 100. We have crossed that mark. We will cross the magic number too."
10:33 AM (IST) May 02
Early trends indicate BJP heading towards absolute majority without its ally in Assam.
The BJP is leading in 31 seats out of the 59 available seats, as per EC data.
10:09 AM (IST) May 02
The latest trends coming in now indicate that in West Bengal, the TMC has taken a comfortable lead over the BJP.
In Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front has taken a lead over the Congress-led United Democratic Front in Kerala.
In Tamil Nadu, the DMK-Congress combine is ahead of the AIADMK-BJP alliance.
In Puducherry, former Chief Minister N Rangasamy's All India NR Congress is ahead of the Congress party.
In Assam, NDA has taken the early lead on 70 seats followed by the UPA on 37
09:58 AM (IST) May 02
LDF 86
UDF 51
NDA 3
In Thrissur, BJP candidate and actor Suresh Gopi is leading over Padmaja Venugopal
In Thodupuzha, PJ Joseph is leading with over 1400 votes.
In Kazhakoottam, LDF candidate Kadakampally Surendran is ahead. Congress candidate Dr SS Lal is second. BJP candidate Sobha Surendran is third here.
09:34 AM (IST) May 02
The latest trends coming in now indicate a neck and neck battle in West Bengal. TMC and BJP are locked in a tight battle with Mamata slightly ahead in the initial round of counting.
In Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front has taken a slender lead over the Congress-led United Democratic Front in Kerala.
In Tamil Nadu, the DMK-Congress combine is marginally ahead of the AIADMK-BJP alliance.
In Puducherry, former Chief Minister N Rangasamy's All India NR Congress is slightly ahead of the Congress party.
In Assam, NDA has taken the early lead on 44 seats followed by the UPA on 20
09:16 AM (IST) May 02
09:08 AM (IST) May 02
TRENDS:
Assam Chief Minister and BJP leader Sarbananda Sonowal leads from Majuli constituency.
West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee trailing from Nandigram constituency.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswamy leading from Edappadi constituency.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is leading from Dharmadam constituency.
08:50 AM (IST) May 02
The latest trends coming in now indicate a strong fight between Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front and the Congress-led United Democratic Front in Kerala.
In West Bengal, TMC and BJP are locked in a tight battle with Mamata slightly ahead in the initial round of counting.
In Tamil Nadu, the DMK-Congress combine is slightly ahead of the AIADMK-BJP.
It's a neck to neck battle in Puducherry between former Chief Minister N Rangasamy's All India NR Congress and the Congress party.
In Assam, NDA has taken the early lead on 16 seats followed by the UPA on 11
08:39 AM (IST) May 02
Early trends coming in now indicate a strong fight between Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front and the Congress-led United Democratic Front in Kerala.
In West Bengal, TMC and BJP are locked in a tight battle with Mamata slightly ahead in the initial round of counting.
In Tamil Nadu, DMK-Congress combine has taken initial lead.
It's a neck to neck battle in Puducherry between former Chief Minister N Rangasamy's All India NR Congress and the Congress party.
In Assam, NDA has taken early lead.
08:31 AM (IST) May 02
Early trends coming in indicate a comfortable lead for Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front in Kerala.
In West Bengal, TMC and BJP are locked in a tight battle with Mamata slightly ahead in the initial round of counting.
In Tamil Nadu, DMK-Congress combine has taken initial lead. in Puducherry, former Chief Minister N Rangasamy's All India NR Congress has a clear lead.
In Assam, NDA has taken early lead.