Early leads from West Bengal’s vote count have BJP’s Lakshmikant Saw leading by more than 900 votes over TMC’s Mangal Saren in Jhargram after the first hour, per Election Commission updates at 9:30 AM.
This development comes as the state tallies votes from its two-phase polls held amid intense campaigning. Postal ballots were counted first from 8 to 8:30 AM, then merged with EVM rounds – a new protocol to accelerate the process.
Election authorities note that simultaneous counting helps wrap up postal votes promptly. Any delays in postal tallies halt EVM counts temporarily until resolved, promising sharper trends by midday.
Notably, Faltas seat skips today’s count due to a re-poll ordered for May 21. The 2021 results saw TMC’s landslide at 213 seats, BJP’s strong 77, others minimal. High 93% turnout in recent phases fuels speculation.
Exit polls largely predict BJP ousting incumbent TMC after 15 years, especially in areas like Jhargram with tribal influences. Congress and Left Front, absent last assembly, contest independently or via alliances like AISF-Left tie-up, hoping to reclaim space.
Jhargram’s early BJP edge highlights shifting dynamics in Bengal’s polarized politics. Watch for statewide patterns as counts progress, revealing if opposition gains hold.
