Voting is underway in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu as the 2026 assembly elections see active participation from voters across both states. In West Bengal, the first phase of polling is being held across 152 constituencies in 16 districts, marking the beginning of a multi-phase election process.

Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, is witnessing single-phase polling across all 234 assembly seats, making it a crucial electoral day for the state.

Polling began in the morning with voters arriving at booths early, and arrangements were in place to ensure smooth voting.

Turnout figures show steady participation

As voting progressed, turnout figures indicated moderate to strong participation in both states.

• West Bengal recorded around 62.2% voter turnout by 1 pm
• Tamil Nadu saw approximately 56.8% turnout by the same time

Earlier in the day, initial turnout trends showed gradual momentum as queues built up at polling stations.

High-stakes contest in both states

The elections are significant for major political parties in both regions.

In West Bengal, the contest remains largely between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, with several key constituencies drawing attention. Around 3.6 crore voters are eligible to vote in this phase, highlighting the scale of the exercise.

Tamil Nadu’s election features a traditional contest between the DMK and AIADMK alliances, with the outcome expected to shape the state’s political direction.

Security and arrangements in place

Authorities have deployed security personnel and made logistical arrangements to ensure peaceful polling. Reports indicate that voting is largely proceeding smoothly, with monitoring systems in place across sensitive areas.

The election process in West Bengal will continue with the second phase scheduled for April 29, while Tamil Nadu will conclude voting in a single day.

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.