BJP: 85TMC: 80CONG: 4LEFT: 0The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has begun to widen the lead gap in West Bengal as counting progresses, intensifying the contest against All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). Early trends indicate the BJP gaining momentum across key constituencies, putting pressure on Mamata Banerjee’s party in what is turning into a closely watched electoral battle.BJP’s Arjun Singh alleges irregularities at Noapara counting centreMay 4, 2026 9:03 amIn North 24 Parganas, BJP candidate from Noapara, Arjun Singh, on Monday alleged irregularities at the counting centre as the West Bengal Assembly election results process got underway. Singh claimed that announcements were being made about opening the strong room even before the candidate or election agent had reached the venue. “Till now the candidate or the election agent has not reached the counting centre, and they are making announcements that they are opening the strong room. This is an attempt to commit fraud. We will complain right now, we are going to the observer,” he said. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said a formal complaint would be lodged with the election observer over the issue.#WATCH | West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 | North 24 Parganas: BJP candidate from the Noapara Assembly constituency, Arjun Singh, says, “… Till now the candidate or the election agent has not reached the counting centre, and they are making announcements that they are… pic.twitter.com/XedabsJu56— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026Suvendu Adhikari leads in Bhabanipur, early trends showMay 4, 2026 8:59 amEarly trends from television channels suggest that Suvendu Adhikari of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in the high-profile Bhabanipur Assembly constituency as counting of votes gets underway. According to initial trends aired by India Today and Republic Bangla, Adhikari is ahead of his nearest rival, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). However, the Election Commission has not yet released official figures. Officials said counting of postal ballots is currently in progress, with Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) counting to follow. Trends are expected to fluctuate as more rounds are completed. Adhikari is also reported to be leading from Nandigram, according to TV channel trends.‘All complaints addressed, no victory rallies today,’ says observerMay 4, 2026 8:48 amOn counting day for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 in Kolkata, Special Electoral Roll Observer Subrata Gupta said that all complaints raised during the process have been addressed. He acknowledged minor technical glitches, noting that some CCTV cameras malfunctioned for 5–10 minutes, but stressed that the situation was promptly managed. Gupta also clarified that no victory rallies will be permitted today, in line with election protocols.West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 | Kolkata: On counting for West Bengal polls, Special Electoral Roll Observer, Subrata Gupta says, “… Every complaint has been addressed. Some of the CCTV cameras malfunctioned for 5-10 minutes over technical reasons…no victory rally can be… pic.twitter.com/glRrWcZdVC— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026Humyaun Kabir complains lack of seating arrangements for counting agents in Bengal’s BaharampurMay 4, 2026 8:31 amAam Janata Unnayan Party founder Humyaun Kabir on Monday complained about the lack of seating arrangements for counting agents of political parties at centres where counting of votes at West Bengal’s Baharampur is underway. “There is a lack of security arrangements for counting agents at the centres. I wish the EC makes proper arrangements at the counting centres across the state,” he told PTI videos in Murshidabad district.Lotus will bloom,’ says BJP’s Shehzad Poonawalla; predicts NDA surgeMay 4, 2026 8:29 amShehzad Poonawalla, national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Monday expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in West Bengal, asserting that the “lotus will bloom there too.” Speaking to ANI, Poonawalla said all eyes are on West Bengal and added, “The clouds will clear, the sun will rise, and the lotus will bloom there too,” indicating optimism about the BJP’s chances against Mamata Banerjee’s All India Trinamool Congress government. He also claimed that public dissatisfaction with the state government would translate into electoral gains for the party. Extending his remarks beyond Bengal, Poonawalla projected a strong showing for the NDA in other regions as well. He said the BJP is on track for a third consecutive term in Assam and predicted that the alliance would form governments in southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry with a “landslide majority.”Tight security across West BengalMay 4, 2026 8:23 amStringent security arrangements were put in place across West Bengal as counting of votes for the high-stakes assembly elections began at 8 am on Monday, officials said. More than 2.5 lakh personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), along with the state police, have been deployed at 77 counting centres across 23 districts under a multi-layered security grid, they said. West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal on Monday said all preparations are complete for the counting of votes for 293 assembly seats. “Preparations are ready as required,” he told reporters at the Election Commission office here. Asked whether victory rallies by winning candidates will be allowed, he said that the concerned district magistrates will decide on the matter. Strongrooms housing EVMs were placed under round-the-clock surveillance, as TMC and BJP workers gathered outside several centres in the run-up to counting. “Adequate measures are in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful counting process, with quick response teams on standby to tackle any untoward incidents,” another official said.TMC-BJP agents clash at counting centre over entry rulesMay 4, 2026 7:40 amA verbal spat broke out between polling agents of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at a counting centre, with TMC alleging discrimination in enforcement of rules. TMC agents claimed they were not allowed to carry files or pens inside the counting hall, while BJP polling agents were allegedly permitted to do so. “They are not allowing us to take files or pens inside, but the BJP polling agents are allowed to take them inside. Rules should be the same for everyone. We are the people of Mamata Banerjee. There is no bigger identity than this,” a TMC polling agent said. ANI inputs