Exit polls of West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry have now started shaping the election picture. However, a common and decisive trend has emerged among these figures, where the participation of women has been more than that of men. Will this lead decide the power this time?

Exit polls indicate that BJP may get an edge in Bengal, although some surveys claim the comeback of Trinamool Congress. There is a possibility of BJP’s hat-trick in Assam, while in Kerala, there are signs of UDF’s return after the change of power. The biggest twist has come to light in Tamil Nadu, where actor Vijay’s party TVK can cause a big upset in its very first election with 98 to 120 seats. NDA seems to be getting lead in Puducherry. Amidst all this, one thing is clear that this time women voters have emerged as not just a number but a decisive force.

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Women’s lead: a sign of change in electoral behavior

Amidst the discussion of record 92.47 percent voting in the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026, the most important and decisive aspect was the unprecedented participation of women. According to Election Commission data, women not only voted in large numbers in both the phases, but also left men behind in percentage terms. In the second phase, the voting percentage of women voters was recorded at 92.28 percent, while this figure of men was 91.07 percent. That means women left men behind with an increase of about 1.2 percent. This difference may seem small, but in a state with such a large voter base, its impact can be wide-ranging and decisive.

The same trend was seen in the first phase also. In the voting held on April 23, 92.69 percent women voted, while the participation of men was 90.92 percent. That means women’s participation remained consistently high in both the phases. This is not a coincidence, but an indication of a permanent electoral behaviour. The importance of this trend also increases because the total number of voters in West Bengal is 6.81 crore. If the participation of women in such a large voter base is more than that of men, then it has the potential to directly decide the direction of the election results.

In other states too, women voted more than men

Assam and Puducherry also broke their respective records. 85.91 percent voting was recorded in Assam and about 90 percent voting was recorded in Puducherry, which is the highest figure there so far. Record voting was recorded in the Assam Assembly elections 2026, in which women once again left men behind. According to official figures, the total voting was 85.91%, which is the highest ever in Assam. Earlier in 2016 there was 84.67% voting and in 2021 there was 82.42% voting. This time the participation of women voters was 86.50%, which is more than 85.33% of men. Interestingly, in 2021, women voting had fallen to 82.01%, but this time a sharp jump was seen.

Women participation is more in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu too, participation of women was more than that of men, where 85.76 percent women voted, while the figure of men was 83.57 percent. Voting took place on all 234 seats in Tamil Nadu on April 23, where the total number of voters was 5.73 crore. On the same day, voting was also held on 152 seats in West Bengal, where the number of voters was 3.6 crore.

Average voting in Kerala Assembly elections

The average voting in the Kerala Assembly elections was recorded at 78.23 percent, while a deep analysis of the Election Commission’s data shows that the real story of this election is hidden somewhere in the votes of women. This time, women voters have given a new dimension to the electoral scenario by registering a decisive lead in the Kerala Assembly elections 2026. According to the Election Commission, 80.86% women voted, while the participation of men was 75.01%. This difference of about 6 percent is not just a figure, but a strong political signal.

When will the election results be declared?

The election results of five states including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and Assam will be declared on May 4. Exit polls are making their own claims, but this record voting has decided that the public will definitely vote for their rights. This election will be remembered not only for political power, but also for setting new parameters of democratic participation. Especially the increasing participation of women has made it clear that a new power has now come to the center in India’s electoral politics, which is not only casting votes but is also deciding the direction of the results.

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The exit polls of Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 are pointing towards an extraordinary political moment, where the superstar of the film industry seems to be transforming into a serious political contender. The rise of TVK (Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam) and the popularity of Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, have posed for the first time a concrete challenge to the state’s traditional DMK versus AIADMK politics. This is not just the mathematics of seats, but a sign of change in the narrative of power.

According to Axis My India exit poll, TVK can reach between 98 to 120 seats i.e. close to or above the majority. An even more important indication on the question of leadership is that Vijay has been declared the first choice of 37% of the people as the Chief Minister, which makes him ahead of the current Chief Minister M.K. Keeps ahead of Stalin. This increase shows that Vijay’s image is being accepted beyond that of a ‘star’ to a ‘decisive leader’. If the results confirm these trends, then 2026 could prove to be the turning point in Tamil Nadu politics where ‘The Master’ makes his mark not just on screen but also in the corridors of power.

From stardom to political capital

Vijay’s films have created a socio-political narrative over the years. His films showed the voice against corruption, the fight of the common man, and the courage to confront power. This narrative seemed to be translating into votes in the 2026 elections. Exit polls indicate that his on-screen ‘mass’ appeal has translated into off-screen political support, especially among urban and young voters.

Anti-establishment wave

The politics of Tamil Nadu has been revolving around two poles for a long time. In this election, a part seemed to want to get out of that permanent conflict. Vijay presented himself as the ‘third option’ in which he was neither a part of the traditional power nor of the old opposition structure. The rise of TVK is believed to be the result of this mood.

Equalization of vote share, increase in seats

In the exit polls, both DMK+ and TVK seem to be getting around 35% vote share. However, TVK’s lead in seat projections shows that the party performed better in ‘swing seats’, where even small vote differences decide victory or defeat. This indicates that Vijay’s appeal was not limited to just gathering crowds, but was successful in influencing the decisive seats.

If you get power then the test will be big

Amidst all this, an important question remains whether this Vijay Factor will be able to transform into a permanent organization? DMK and AIADMK have been based on strong grassroots networks for decades. The real test for TVK will begin after government formation, which will include policy decisions, administrative capacity and expansion of the organization.

The politics of victory is now on the threshold of becoming a system rather than a symbol. His image is that of a ‘mass hero’, but governance is not run through ‘mass appeal’ but through institutional efficiency. If exit poll indications prove correct, Vijay will face the challenge of translating his popularity into policy and administration.

In Tamil Nadu politics, the word ‘Thalaiva’ is not just a symbol of popularity but also a symbol of leadership. Exit poll data shows that Vijay has moved towards this status. This election is not just the story of the rise of one party, but of a change in which voters want to give a chance to new faces, new language and new politics.

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