Kolkata, April 30 (V7N) — Exit polls and pre-election opinion surveys for the West Bengal Assembly election have started to be released, pointing to a highly competitive race between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), according to Indian media reports.

Most surveys suggest that the BJP is slightly ahead, with some projections placing the party near or above the majority threshold in the 294-seat assembly. However, several polls also show the ruling TMC in a strong position, making the contest extremely close.

Analysis of eight polling agencies presents mixed results. The Matrize survey predicts the BJP could win between 146 and 161 seats, while the TMC may secure 125 to 140 seats, with other parties getting 6 to 10 seats. Chanakya Strategies forecasts the BJP winning 150 to 160 seats and the TMC 130 to 140.

In contrast, the People’s Pulse survey shows a different picture, giving the TMC a clear lead with 178 to 189 seats, while the BJP may win between 95 and 110 seats. Surveys by P-Mark and Praja Poll also indicate a strong performance by the BJP, projecting between 150 and over 200 seats.

Meanwhile, Poll Diary and JVC surveys suggest a tight contest between the two major parties. Janamat Polls places Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s TMC well ahead, projecting 195 to 205 seats, compared to 80 to 90 for the BJP.

A total of 148 seats are required to form the government.

The election was held in two phases. The second and final phase took place on Wednesday, April 29, covering 142 constituencies across seven districts. The first phase was conducted on April 23 in 152 constituencies. Voter turnout exceeded 90 percent, marking a significant level of participation.

Although exit polls offer an early indication of trends, past elections in India have shown that such projections do not always match the final results.

Vote counting is scheduled for May 4, when the official results will reveal how accurate these projections are.

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