‘Hat-trick in Assam, gains beyond’: Shehzad Poonawalla predicts big BJP wins across states

Counting of votes for the 2026 Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry began at 8 am on Monday amid tight security.

The elections have emerged as a key political test across regions, with parties projecting confidence even as allegations and counter-allegations over the conduct of polls continue to surface.

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BJP confident, Opposition pushes back

The BJP struck an optimistic note ahead of counting. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the party was set to retain Assam and expand its footprint elsewhere.

“The way the Bharatiya Janata Party has worked in Assam, we’re going to score a hat-trick there… Be it Kerala, Tamil Nadu, or Puducherry, you’ll see the NDA forming a government with a landslide majority there too,” he said.

On West Bengal, he added:

“The clouds will clear, the sun will rise, and the lotus will bloom there too.”

#WATCH Delhi: BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, “The way the Bharatiya Janata Party has worked in Assam, we’re going to score a hat-trick there. The government will be formed for the third time. Be it Kerala, Tamil Nadu, or Puducherry, you’ll see the NDA forming… pic.twitter.com/DQYVh8FZit

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026

In contrast, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) expressed confidence of returning to power in Bengal, with leader Kunal Ghosh claiming the party would cross 200 seats. The party also flagged concerns over facilities for counting agents and alleged irregularities near strong rooms.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged party workers to stay alert, citing reports of power outages and suspicious activity.

Security arrangements remain stringent across counting centres, particularly in Kolkata, where central forces have been deployed. The Election Commission has reiterated that counting will be conducted in a “free and fair” manner.