Votes are being counted across Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry after a high-stakes campaign. The verdict will determine Mamata Banerjee's fourth-term bid, measure Vijay's debut impact, and show whether the BJP and the Left can hold their grounds in Assam and Kerala.

Counting on May 4 will decide the contests in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry. The results come amid a repoll row in Bengal, tight security and rival claims over the political mood.