West Bengal, Tamil Nadu go to polls today

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu go to polls today, with voting for the assembly elections 2026 starting at 7 am. All seats in Tamil Nadu will see electors cast their vote in a single phase, while West Bengal has one more phase of voting left till April 29.

The counting of votes for both the states – as well as Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry – will take place on May 4, reports Indian Express.

Tamil Nadu Votes in Single Phase

In Tamil Nadu, voting is being held across all 234 constituencies in a single phase. The election is witnessing a multi-cornered contest involving the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance, the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.

Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and other senior leaders cast their votes early in the day.

West Bengal Begins Phase One Voting

In West Bengal, polling in the first phase is being conducted in 152 constituencies spread across multiple districts. The ruling All India Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is aiming for a fourth consecutive term.

The main challengers include the Bharatiya Janata Party and an alliance of Left parties and the Congress.

Extensive security arrangements have been deployed, including thousands of central security personnel, particularly in sensitive districts such as Murshidabad and East Midnapore.

Next Steps

The second and final phase of voting in West Bengal will take place on April 29. Counting of votes for both states—along with other regions including Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry—is scheduled for May 4, with results expected later the same day.