Assembly Election Results 2021 Live Updates: BJP wins Nandigram, but loses battle for West Bengal

It's a day of disappointment for many of my friends & colleagues in @INCKerala. You fought a good fight. The energy &commitment I've seen from you is the party's greatest strength. We must not be disheartened. There is work ahead to renew & revive our party, &to serve the people.

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 2, 2021

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on her election victory.

Congratulations to Mamata Didi for @AITCofficial's win in West Bengal. The Centre will continue to extend all possible support to the West Bengal Government to fulfil people’s aspirations and also to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. @MamataOfficial

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 2, 2021

I would like to thank my sisters and brothers of West Bengal who have blessed our party. From a negligible presence earlier, BJP’s presence has significantly increased. BJP will keep serving the people. I applaud each and every Karyakarta for their spirited effort in the polls.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 2, 2021

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."

My sincere thanks to the great People of Nandigram for their love, trust, blessings, and support, and for choosing me as their representative and the MLA from #Nandigram. It is my never-ending commitment to be of service to them and working for their welfare. I am truly grateful! pic.twitter.com/oQyeYswDa8

— Suvendu Adhikari • শুভেন্দু অধিকারী (@SuvenduWB) May 2, 2021

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.

This is BIG.

Mamata Banerjee, the sitting Chief Minister, loses Nandigram.

BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari wins by 1,622 votes.

After this crushing defeat what moral authority will Mamata Banerjee have to retain her Chief Ministership?

Her defeat is a taint on TMC’s victory...

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 2, 2021

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." 
 

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."

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.

BREAKING: Violence breaks out in Bengal soon after the #WestBengalElections results were clear. BJP party office in Arambagh is set on fire. Allegation against TMC, TMC denies charge. pic.twitter.com/70LwYTUPuA

— Anindya (@AninBanerjee) May 2, 2021

The BJP has alleged TMC hand behind the arson and violence.

BJP's Suvendu Adhikari beats Mamata Banerjee, wins Nandigram by 1622 votes

Bharatiya Janata Party has conceded defeat in the West Bengal assembly election. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to congratulate Mamata Banerjee.

Congratulations to the Chief Minister of West Bengal, @MamataOfficial Didi on her party’s victory in West Bengal assembly elections. My best wishes to her for her next tenure.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 2, 2021

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.

#DMKwinsTN #AIIMS #TNwithDMK pic.twitter.com/da6aF5k6qW

— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) May 2, 2021

'Metro Man' E Sreedharan has been defeated in the Palakkad assembly constituency by Congress' Shafi Parambhi with a margin of over 3000 votes

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.

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.

Heartiest congratulations to @MamataOfficial didi & everyone at @AITCofficial for the remarkable victory in West Bengal. The BJP & a throughly partisan Election Commission threw everything including the kitchen sink at you & you prevailed. All the best for the next 5 years.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 2, 2021

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.

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.

Congratulations @MamataOfficial on your stupendous victory!
Let us continue our work towards the welfare of people and tackling the Pandemic collectively.

— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) May 2, 2021

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

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.

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

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.

Election strategist Prashant Kishor's December 2020 prediction seems to be coming true in West Bengal. 

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.

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. 

Celebrations start at the DMK headquarters in Chennai.#DMK #Chennai #TamilNadu #TamilNaduElections2021#VoteCounting @ashwinacharya05 @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/tyosbUkUnK

— SHIBA (@shibasahu2012) May 2, 2021

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. 

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.

First result coming in from Kerala. CPI-M candidate and sitting MLA TP Ramakrishnan wins from Perambara

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.

As per early trends from Puducherry, NDA is leading in 9 out of 30 seats while UPA is ahead in 2

Here's the first Congress response on the unfolding West Bengal verdict:

11 am correct time 2call result. I cld be wrong, tho hope nt. If #Mamta wins1) all, irrespective of pol affiliation, must say hats off 2her (2)for fighting like a tigress (3)cos this was election which #bjp shd hv lost 2stop/put brakes on its arrogance &money power

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) May 2, 2021

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."

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.

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

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.

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

Counting after maintaining all COVID protocols at 22 Kalimpong Assembly Constituency, Darjeeling District. #WestBengalElections @ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI @rajivkumarec @PIBKolkata pic.twitter.com/f1iKKMpTdu

— CEO West Bengal (@CEOWestBengal) May 2, 2021

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.

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

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.
 

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.

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

The Counting will take place at 2364 counting halls as compared to 1002 halls in the 2016 elections. This amounts to over a 200% increase in counting halls. 

The Commission has designated 822 ROs and more than 7000 AROs for the purposes of counting in these 5 States/UT. Approximately 95000 counting officials, including micro observers, will perform the task of counting.

The Commission has deputed 1100 counting observers to watch the process of counting. Additional Reserve Counting Observers have also been deputed and placed to perform the duties in case of any pandemic-related replacement.

Contesting candidates have given details of 1.5 lakh counting agents (including substitutes) in five states/UT.

Counting officials undergoing thermal scanning as they arrive for counting in Sibsagar.

Counting officials undergoing thermal scanning as they arrive for counting in Sibsagar. #AssamAssemblyElections2021 #AssemblyElection2021 @ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI @rajivkumarec @diprassam pic.twitter.com/pFQ49ObvGC

— CEO Assam (@ceo_assam) May 2, 2021

West Bengal

Total seats: 292 (Elections on 2 seats not held due to death of candidates)
Majority mark: 148

For Assam

Total seats: 126
Majority mark: 64

Kerala

Total seats: 140
Majority mark: 70

Tamil Nadu

Total seats: 234
Majority mark: 118

Puducherry

Total seats: 30
Majority mark: 16

The Election Commission has banned any victory procession. 

The ban includes any kind of procession by or congregation of supporters of victorious candidates anywhere in constituency(ies) beyond limits on number prescribed by concerned State/UT. 

The Commission has also directed the Chief Secretaries of all these states/UT to ensure that all directions of ECI and extant instructions of NDMA/SDMA concerning gatherings, etc in the wake of counting shall be complied with.

The EC has made elaborate arrangements at counting centres. These include for counting of votes

* The counting centres shall be disinfected before, during and after the counting.

* Sealed outer boxes of EVM/VVPAT shall also be sanitized/disinfected.

* Number of Counting tables to be allowed in a counting hall as per the size of Hall and keeping in view safety norms prescribed for Covid-19.

* Social distancing shall be maintained inside the counting hall. The seating arrangement of Counting Personnel/Agents etc should be made as per existing Covid guidelines.

* Masks, sanitisers, face shields and gloves shall be provided to every counting official and security personnel.

The counting of votes polled in 822 assembly constituencies in Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will be taken up today amid tight Covid-19 guidelines. 

Also unfolding will be results of bypolls in 4 parliamentary constituencies and 13 assembly constituencies across 13 states.

The counting of votes will decide the fate of four chief ministers -- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The special focus will be on West Bengal where the Bharatiya Janata Party fought an intense electoral battle against the Trinamool Congress with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda and other top BJP leaders left no stone unturned to try and dislodge Mamata Banerjee from power.

Another intense battle was fought in Tamil Nadu where the AIADMK-BJP combine is squaring off against the DMK-Congress alliance. The spotlight will also be on actor-politician Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam performance.

Most exit polls have predicted the return of the Left Democratic Front government of Pinarayi Vijayan in Kerala with the Congress in the runners-up position. 

As for Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal will hope that Prime Minister Modi's campaign blitz in the state would get him back to power in the state. The Congress, on the other hand, had relied on its local leadership to carry the bulk of its campaigning.

The BJP will be hoping to ride to power in Puducherry with the AIADMK while the Congress-DMK alliance is looking for retribution for the downfall of their government just ahead of the election.

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