Morning Digest: Exit polls predict close contest in Bengal, DMK+ lead in T.N.; U.S. Fed holds rates steady even as four officials dissent, and more

There was a grounds turnout of 92.65% successful the 2nd and last signifier of polling for the West Bengal Assembly election on Wednesday (April 29, 2026), amidst isolated incidents of unrest and violence. This means the full turnout crossed 2 phases of polling successful the State stands astatine astir 93%, the highest complaint of polling successful immoderate West Bengal Assembly predetermination since Independence, according to the State’s Chief Electoral Officer.

Most exit polls connected Wednesday (April 29, 2026) predicted a choky contention successful West Bengal, a wide bulk for the BJP-led NDA successful Assam and Puducherry, the DMK-led conjugation starring successful Tamil Nadu, and the United Democratic Front (UDF) up successful Kerala. Axis My India projected a immense surge for actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).