, May 4 -- Vote counting is underway across four Indian states-West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam-along with the union territory of Puducherry, in a set of elections seen as a crucial political barometer ahead of India's 2029 general election.

The results are being closely watched as an early test of support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The party is aiming to retain control in Assam while expanding its presence in southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

However, the sharpest focus remains on West Bengal, where the BJP is attempting to unseat the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in what is widely seen as a closely contested race. The campaign in the state has been marked by con...