As counting begins at 8 am today for Assembly Elections 2026 across four states and one Union Territory, attention has turned to a critical question shaping the outcome: what number does each party need to secure power to claim government formation?

After weeks of campaigning, voters in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry have cast their ballots for a combined 824 Assembly seats. With results expected to emerge through the day on May 4, sealed electronic voting machines now hold the fate of multiple governments — and possibly broader political signals.

Here's a look at the number of seats and the majority mark in each state and Union Territory:

The Assembly in West Bengal has 294 seats, with 148 required for a simple majority. Exit polls have pointed to a closely fought contest, with projections suggesting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could secure between 150 and 160 seats, while the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), led by incumbent CM Mamata Banerjee, may win between 130 and 140.

However, results will only be declared in 293 seats with the Election Commission having ordered a repoll on Saturday in all 285 polling booths of the Falta Assembly constituency of the South 24 Parganas district on May 21. Counting of votes for the constituency will take place on May 24.

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In Tamil Nadu, the 234-member Assembly requires 118 seats for a majority. Exit polls indicate that the ruling alliance led by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and headed by MK Stalin could secure between 125 and 145 seats, potentially returning to power. However, pollsters have also cautioned that new entrant Vijay and his party TVK may emerge as a total disrupted and possibly the single largest party, crushing the hopes of both the DMK and AIADMK.

Amidst, one exit poll projection, placed by JVC, has predicted that the AIADMK will mark its return to power, with DMK is principal opposition and TVK emerging as the third largest player.

The Assembly in Kerala has 140 seats, with 71 needed to form a government. Exit polls suggest the United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Indian National Congress, may win between 78 and 90 seats.

In Assam, where the Assembly has 126 seats, the majority mark stands at 64. Projections indicate the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies could win between 88 and 100 seats.

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