As counting gets underway for the West Bengal Assembly elections, early trends indicate a slight edge for the Bharatiya Janata Party over the ruling Trinamool Congress.
According to early trends available on the Election Commission website, the BJP was leading in eight assembly constituencies while the TMC was ahead in two. However, multiple television channels reported that the BJP was leading in over 60 seats compared to the TMC’s 50 in the early rounds.
Different channels have shown varying figures: ABP Ananda reported a tight contest with the BJP ahead in 54 seats and the TMC in 51, while Zee 24 Ghanta indicated a wider gap with the BJP leading in 79 seats and the TMC in 63.
TV9 Bangla data, meanwhile, also pointed to a close fight, with the TMC ahead in about 69 seats and the BJP in 65.
Counting for all 293 Assembly constituencies began at 8 am, with postal ballots taken up first in line with Election Commission procedures. The process is being conducted across 77 counting centres amid tight security arrangements.
The ruling TMC, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is seeking a fourth consecutive term, while the BJP, which has expanded its footprint in the state in recent years, is aiming for its first government in West Bengal.
