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The eyes of the nation are fixed on the Election Commission of India today as the counting of votes for the 2026 Assembly Elections officially begins. This massive democratic exercise covers West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, involving over 820 assembly seats. Early trends suggest a high-stakes battle in West Bengal, where the incumbent government faces a spirited challenge, while in Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is eyeing a historic third consecutive term. The counting process started at 8:00 AM with postal ballots, followed by Electronic Voting Machines under heavy security and CCTV surveillance. Exit polls have predicted a tight race in several key constituencies, keeping political parties and citizens on the edge of their seats. The Election Commission has emphasized its commitment to transparency, ensuring real-time updates are available on its official portal and mobile applications. As the day progresses, the results will likely reshape the political landscape of Southern and Eastern India for the next five years. Security has been tightened around counting centers to prevent any post-result clashes or unrest among rival supporters. Markets are also reacting to these early trends, as investors look for signs of political stability in these economically vital states. By late evening, a clear picture of the winners and losers is expected to emerge across all five regions. This election is seen as a mid-term referendum on various state and central policies implemented over the last two years.
