Elections 2026 LIVE: Tamil Nadu votes in one phase, Bengal begins crucial first round

Two major political battlegrounds go to the polls today as Tamil Nadu votes in a single phase and West Bengal begins its multi-phase Assembly elections, setting the stage for contests that are both regionally decisive and nationally watched. Across the two states, more than 9 crore voters will participate in polling today, choosing from over 4,000 candidates spread across 386 constituencies. With counting scheduled for May 4, the results are expected to have a significant bearing on the political landscape beyond the states themselves.

Tamil Nadu presents a largely bipolar contest between the ruling DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led NDA. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is seeking a renewed mandate, banking on governance and welfare delivery, while Edappadi K. Palaniswami is leading the opposition’s push to regain power after five years. The BJP, under K. Annamalai, is contesting as part of the alliance, while Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is attempting to carve out space as an alternative force, particularly among younger voters.

West Bengal, meanwhile, opens its electoral battle with voting in 152 constituencies spread across diverse regions, including politically significant areas in both north and south Bengal. The ruling Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, is aiming for a fourth consecutive term, while the BJP is seeking to expand its footprint and challenge the incumbent’s dominance. The presence of the Left Front and the Congress adds further complexity to the contest. The first phase is being closely watched as an early barometer of voter sentiment, especially in regions where electoral margins have historically been narrow.

Reports of clashes between Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) workers emerged from Raipur village in Domkol, Murshidabad, overnight ahead of polling. The situation created panic among locals, with many initially avoiding polling booths.

The Indian Express reported that authorities later stepped in, with police and central forces escorting villagers to polling stations to ensure voting continued amid tight security.

Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram has expressed confidence that the DMK-led alliance will retain power in Tamil Nadu, backing Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for a second term.

Speaking on polling day, he pointed to strong youth participation and urged voters to choose stability, growth, and welfare, while cautioning against “fanciful ideas.” Chidambaram said the DMK government’s record over the past five years should guide voters’ choice and called on young voters in particular to support “secularism and progress.”

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday urged the people of West Bengal to vote in large numbers and ensure that the ideals of democracy, social justice, equality, and freedom remain intact.

In a post on X, Kharge said, “As West Bengal votes in the first phase of Assembly elections today, I sincerely urge all citizens to step out and participate in large numbers. Do not be deterred by forces that seek to discourage you.”

“Your vote is your voice, and it must be resoundingly heard,” he said.

Urging the people of the state to follow the path shown by the Constitution and uphold the spirit of democracy, the Congress chief said, “West Bengal is the proud land of great leaders who stood for Democracy, social justice, equality, and freedom. We need to ensure those ideals remain intact.”

“I make a special appeal to the first-time voters – exercise your right with conviction and help ensure that true development reaches every corner of the state. Jai Hind. Jai Bangla,” Kharge said in his post.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, has urged voters to step out in large numbers as polling began in the first phase of the West Bengal elections. In a post on X, the party called on citizens to exercise their democratic right “freely, fairly, and without fear,” and to vote to “safeguard the rights of every individual.”

Invoking its “Maa, Mati, Manush” plank, the TMC framed the election as a vote to protect Bengal’s identity and sustain development, while also attacking its opponents for what it termed years of neglect and exploitation. The appeal comes as voting is underway across 152 constituencies, setting the tone for the remaining phases of the election.

Acot-politician Makkal Needhi Maiam chief and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan cast his vote along with his daughter Shruti Haasan at a polling booth in Alwarpet, Chennai, as polling progresses in the single-phase Tamil Nadu elections.

According to the Election Commission, voters in eight districts of North Bengal, three districts of South Bengal and five districts of Jangalmahal region will exercise their franchise in the first phase of West Bengal.

These districts include Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur and South 24 Parganas. Apart from this, voting is also being held in some seats of Kolkata and Howrah.

According to the Election Commission, polling will be completed today in 22 seats in Murshidabad, 9 in Behar, 7 in Jalpaiguri, 5 in Alipurduar, 1 in Kalimpong, 5 in Darjeeling, 9 in North Dinajpur, 6 in South Dinajpur, 12 in Malda, 11 in Birbhum, 9 in West Burdwan, 16 in East Medinipur, 15 in West Medinipur, 4 in Jhargram, 9 in Purulia and 12 in Bankura.

Polling is underway across all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu in a single phase, with over 5.67 crore voters set to decide the state’s political future. Authorities have established more than 75,000 polling stations, including nearly 6,000 marked as sensitive, under tight security. Around 1.47 lakh personnel, backed by central forces and rapid response teams, have been deployed to ensure smooth and peaceful voting.

A total of 4,023 candidates are contesting the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with the primary battle between the DMK-led coalition under M.K. Stalin and the AIADMK-BJP alliance led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Actor Vijay’s party has created triangular contests in some seats. Campaigning centred around issues such as corruption, Tamil identity, and women’s reservation.

Vijay, chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and a candidate from Tiruchirappalli East and Perambur, cast his vote at a polling station in Chennai on Thursday as voting got underway across Tamil Nadu’s 234 constituencies.

Voting got underway Thursday morning in Baramati and Rahuri assembly bypolls in Maharashtra.

Polling began at 7 am and will conclude at 6 pm, an election official said.

Riding a sympathy wave, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, who is contesting from Baramati, has urged voters to support her as a tribute to her late husband Ajit Pawar.

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Voting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election commenced at 7 AM on Thursday amidst tight security with people briskly lining up in front of the polling stations across the state.

The key contenders for power are the ruling DMK and main opposition AIADMK while actor-politician Vijay-led TVK and Tamil nationalist Seeman-led NTK are putting up a determined fight.

Tamil Nadu's electorate is 5.73 crore strong and they will vote in as many as 75,064 polling stations in 33,133 locations to decide the fortunes of 4,023 candidates. The total electorate comprises 2.93 women, 2.83 crore men, and 7,728 third-gender persons.

PTI