West Bengal counts votes today

- India began counting assembly votes today in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry, with the Election Commission starting at 8am. - West Bengal's tight TMC–BJP contest turned bitter; a switched‑off phone near an Asansol strong room sparked allegations, and the ECI said three‑layer security. (news.abplive.com) - The count acts as a mid‑cycle referendum on Narendra Modi's reach; a BJP breakthrough would expand his map. (nytimes.com) (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)