Exit Polls 2026: West Bengal split, DMK leads Tamil Nadu, UDF ahead in Kerala
Guwahati: With polling concluded in four states and one Union Territory, exit polls have offered the first indication of possible electoral outcomes ahead of counting day, suggesting clear leads in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, a close fight in Kerala, and a sharply divided picture in West Bengal.
In West Bengal (294 seats), projections remain deeply split. P-MARQ gives the BJP 150–175 seats and TMC+ 118–138, while Matrize estimates BJP at 146–161 and TMC+ at 125–140. In contrast, Peoples Pulse forecasts a strong TMC+ victory with 178–189 seats, leaving the BJP at 95–110, making Bengal the most unpredictable contest.
In Tamil Nadu (234 seats), most surveys indicate a DMK-led alliance win. Matrize projects DMK+ at 122–132 seats and AIADMK+ at 87–110, while Peoples Pulse places DMK+ higher at 125–145 and AIADMK+ at 65–80. Both polls suggest actor Vijay’s TVK could secure a double-digit tally.
In Kerala (140 seats), surveys point to a close race with a slight advantage for the UDF. Axis My India projects UDF at 78–90 seats and LDF at 49–62. P-MARQ estimates UDF at 71–79 and LDF at 62–69, while Matrize gives UDF 70–75 and LDF 60–65.
In Puducherry (30 seats), Axis My India projects the BJP-led NDA at 16–20 seats, Congress+ at 6–8, and others at 3–7, indicating an NDA edge.
Overall, the exit polls suggest relatively decisive outcomes in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, a tight contest in Kerala, and a highly uncertain battle in West Bengal. However, as with all exit polls, these are only projections, and the final verdict will be known when votes are counted.