Morning polling sees moderate participation as voters head to booths across key states

Polling in the ongoing Assembly elections showed steady participation in the early hours on Thursday, with both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal recording moderate voter turnout by 9 am.

According to initial data released by election authorities, Tamil Nadu registered a turnout of around 17.7%, while West Bengal slightly edged ahead with approximately 18.8% in the same period.

Voting began at 7 am across polling stations, and officials expect the turnout to rise significantly as the day progresses, a pattern typically seen in Indian elections.

Tamil Nadu votes in single phase

Tamil Nadu is conducting polling across all 234 Assembly constituencies in a single phase. Early trends indicate a gradual but steady flow of voters, with participation likely to increase during the later hours of the day.

Several prominent personalities were among early voters, encouraging public participation and highlighting the importance of the democratic process.

Bengal phase 1 polling underway

West Bengal is witnessing polling across multiple constituencies in the first phase of its Assembly elections. The early turnout suggests an active start, with voters turning up in noticeable numbers despite the morning hours.

Turnout expected to rise through the day

Election officials have indicated that turnout figures in the morning are usually conservative, with a sharper increase expected in the afternoon and evening. Weather conditions, local factors, and voter mobilisation efforts often influence the final turnout percentage.

The elections are being closely watched due to the high political stakes in both states, with major parties competing intensely for control.

Voting for the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections 2026 began on April 23, marking the start of a crucial political contest in the state.

In this phase, polling is being held across 152 constituencies, making it one of the most significant stages of the election process. The voting spans multiple districts across both North and South Bengal, setting the tone for the rest of the electoral battle.

The election is largely being seen as a direct contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While the TMC is seeking to retain power after over a decade in office, the BJP is aiming to expand its presence and challenge the incumbent government.

A large number of candidates are in the fray for this phase, reflecting the scale and intensity of the contest. Several prominent leaders are contesting from key constituencies, adding to the political significance of the opening phase.

The elections are being conducted in two phases, with the second round of polling scheduled for April 29. The counting of votes is expected in early May, after which the composition of the 294-member assembly will be decided.

Key issues shaping voter sentiment include employment concerns, welfare schemes, governance, and identity politics. The outcome of this phase is expected to provide early indications of the broader electoral trend in the state.

With high voter turnout expected and tight security arrangements in place, the first phase is being closely watched as it could influence momentum for the remaining constituencies.

The Election Commission has issued a notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his controversial remark referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “terrorist” during an election campaign.

Taking serious note of the statement, the poll body has asked Kharge to submit his response within 24 hours, highlighting concerns over the language used in public campaigning.

BJP complaint triggered action

The development comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party approached the Election Commission, alleging that the remark violated the Model Code of Conduct. The party described the comment as derogatory and sought strict action against the Congress leader.

A delegation of BJP leaders also met the poll panel, stressing that such statements undermine the standards of political discourse during elections.

Kharge’s clarification

Following the controversy, Kharge clarified that his remarks were being misinterpreted. He said he did not intend to call the Prime Minister a terrorist but was referring to what he described as “terrorising” political opponents through the use of central agencies.

Rising political tensions

The episode has further escalated tensions between the ruling party and the opposition amid an ongoing election season. Leaders across the political spectrum have reacted strongly, with criticism and counter-criticism intensifying the debate around campaign rhetoric.

The Election Commission’s intervention underscores its attempt to maintain decorum and enforce campaign norms as political activity intensifies across states.