Kolkata | Early trends from multiple television networks on Monday indicated the opposition BJP edging ahead as counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections got underway across centres in the state.

The Election Commission is yet to come out with any official figures.

According to TV 9 Bangla, the TMC was leading in around 11 seats, while the BJP was ahead in 14 seats.

Zee News said TMC was ahead in 18 seats and the BJP in 21.

Figures from Republic Bangla indicated the TMC leading in 4 seats, while the BJP was ahead in 19 seats.

The counting of votes for the state's 293 Assembly constituencies began at 8 am, with postal ballots taken up first in keeping with Election Commission norms.

Counting of EVM votes commenced at 8 am, officials said.

The high-stakes election is being seen as a crucial test for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party's bid for a fourth consecutive term, amid a stiff challenge mounted by the BJP.

The CPI(M)-led Left Front and the Congress are also hoping to improve their tally after successive electoral setbacks.

Political observers say the results will also be read as a barometer of the BJP's ability to expand its footprint in eastern India, while a strong showing by the TMC would reinforce its dominance in the state.

Counting is expected to continue through the day, with clearer trends likely to emerge by afternoon.