West Bengal, Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 Highlights: Bengal nears 90% turnout, Tamil Nadu at 82.24% by 5 pm

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the Chief Minister's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

Voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, significantly ahead of Tamil Nadu, which also posted a strong 82.24%, according to the Election Commission.
The late afternoon figures highlight an intense wave of voter participation across both states, as polling hours drew to a close.

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalised during the first phase of voting in West Bengal's Asansol on Thursday. The incident took place in the Rahamatnagar area.
Paul said the rear portion of her car was severely damaged after a large stone was allegedly hurled at it while she was seated inside.

"As I sat in the car, someone broke the glass of the car with a big stone... This has been happening repeatedly. Who will commit such an incident in a minority area?" she asked.

Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent by 3:00 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, while Chennai reported a slightly lower polling figure of 68.13 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed full confidence of the BJP victory in West Bengal assembly polls and launched a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress, saying "May 4 is the expiry date of TMC's syndicate and this reign of jungle law".

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said there will be accountability for all wrongdoings after the results of the assembly polls are declared on May 4.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday responded to the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a notice to him over 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that "our people will reply to it".

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “Notice aane do. (Let the notice come). We will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it.”

Voter turnout in Bengal crosses 78% till 3p.m

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar amid the first phase of the voting on Thursday, PM Modi said, “Jhalmuri maine khayi, lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai. [I ate the jhal muri, but the spice hit TMC]”. He added that people have so much anger for TMC and its party leaders that in some states, they will not get a single seat.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate was chased in South Dinajpur. He was allegedly manhandled by TMC workers even as a security person tried to protect him.

Ink was smeared over BJP's lotus symbol on the EVM at a booth of Raghunathpur constituency. The ink hid the symbol, claimed Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan. West Bengal Sector CRPF later said on X that the ink was cleared and voting was going on peacefully.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses poll rally for second phase in West Bengal. He said, "The same voice is echoing from all sides... Everyone is saying, 'Paltano Dorkar' (change is necessary)... A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal... Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere."

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday remembered his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, amid bye-elections in the Baramati Assembly constituency. The Baramati seat fell vacant after Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28. His wife and Maharashtra Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths. The BJP leader said, "I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them)."

Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaks to an election official on the phone, urging the official to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, complain of EVM malfunction amid voting in the first phase of West Bengal elections

TMC block president of Nowda, Sofiuzzaman Saikh, says, "Humayun Kabir is trying to make a mess. On the day of the elections, he came with 15 cars with anti-social criminals and FIR-registered criminals. He came here to snatch out our polling station agents. Humayun is creating a lot of hooliganism here.

Congress's Suri candidate Sanjoy Adhikari alleged he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch. "We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told the PTI news agency.

Tamil Nadu registers 37.56 percent voting by 11 am and West Bengal voting percentage is 41.11 per cent

A clash broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad during polling as TMC workers raised slogans and clashed with police following the arrival of AUJP chief Humayun Kabir.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation, with police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Officials, however, said the situation was under control. ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere.” Kabir appealed for calm, urging supporters to ensure peaceful voting.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin cast his vote on Thursday at a polling station located in West Mambalam Sitaraman Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai as polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway.
He was accompanied by his wife, Prithi Narayanan. Ashwin waited for his turn in the line, showed his inked finger after casting the vote, before clicking selfies with the fans.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Ashwin said, "This is a very important election in Tamil Nadu. Just wanted to come and exercise my right. I have done my job, and now, everybody has to do theirs. Hopefully, whoever comes to power will change the face of Tamil Nadu."

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “transport paralysis” across Tamil Nadu on polling day and urging immediate intervention to ensure voters are not disenfranchised.

In his letter, Vijay claimed thousands of voters were stranded at major bus terminals such as Koyambedu, Kilambakkam and Madhavaram due to buses being diverted for poll duty without alternative arrangements. He called it an “assault on the fundamental right to vote.”

He urged the Election Commission to deploy additional public transport and run special shuttle services to polling booths, along with coordinated announcements to assist stranded voters. Vijay also flagged long queues and delays at polling stations, calling for supervisory officers to ensure smoother voting. He further demanded that polling hours be extended till 8 pm to accommodate affected voters.

Tension flared in Nowda, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, during polling on Thursday (Apr 23) after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown near a voting area, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred in the middle of voting hours, triggering panic among voters and residents in the locality. Eyewitness accounts suggested a sudden blast disrupted the otherwise steady polling process, with people scrambling to move to safety.

All you need to know HERE

Voting in West Bengal’s Assembly elections saw disruption at a polling booth in Malda on Thursday after a reported malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), with officials confirming that the sector officer assigned to the area could not be located during the incident.

The disruption was reported at a booth set up inside Balua Chara High School in the Mothabari constituency, part of the first phase of polling. Authorities said voting was halted briefly as officials worked to address the issue.

Voting picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the opening hours of the 2026 Assembly elections, with early turnout figures showing the following figures:

As of 9:00 am, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69 percent, while West Bengal, voting in Phase 1, reported a slightly higher 18.76 percent.

Polling began at 7:00 am in both states, and these numbers reflect participation in the first two hours of voting.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate from Royapuram constituency, D Jayakumar, cast his vote at a polling station in Mylapore on Thursday during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.
After exercising his franchise, Jayakumar said that voting was a key democratic responsibility and described the election as a crucial one for the state's future.
"We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and 'ganja' culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar told reporters.

BJP candidate from Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, cast her vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the party's performance.
She said, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP... They are determined to remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters."
Describing the election as a crucial political battle, she said, "This is a war to save Bengal. We don't want the politics of Hindu-Muslim. We want employment for the youth and bringing back 40 lakh people, who migrated from here, to come back."
She also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister, and you must leave the seat."

Voting has been delayed at a polling station in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after a technical snag was reported during the early hours of polling. 

The issue occurred at Booth 295 in Duvipuram, located in Thoothukudi district, where a malfunction in the control unit of the electronic voting machine disrupted the process.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

Click here to read more

Ahead of the voting for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 on Thursday, mock polling was held at the Chennai High School.

In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 began at 7:00 am in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1), and will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

Voting for single-phase Tamil Nadu elections and the first phase of West Bengal elections begins.

All 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of the total 294 constituencies in West Bengal are going to the polls today.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the Chief Minister's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

Voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, significantly ahead of Tamil Nadu, which also posted a strong 82.24%, according to the Election Commission.
The late afternoon figures highlight an intense wave of voter participation across both states, as polling hours drew to a close.

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalised during the first phase of voting in West Bengal's Asansol on Thursday. The incident took place in the Rahamatnagar area.
Paul said the rear portion of her car was severely damaged after a large stone was allegedly hurled at it while she was seated inside.

"As I sat in the car, someone broke the glass of the car with a big stone... This has been happening repeatedly. Who will commit such an incident in a minority area?" she asked.

Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent by 3:00 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, while Chennai reported a slightly lower polling figure of 68.13 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed full confidence of the BJP victory in West Bengal assembly polls and launched a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress, saying "May 4 is the expiry date of TMC's syndicate and this reign of jungle law".

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said there will be accountability for all wrongdoings after the results of the assembly polls are declared on May 4.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday responded to the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a notice to him over 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that "our people will reply to it".

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “Notice aane do. (Let the notice come). We will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it.”

Voter turnout in Bengal crosses 78% till 3p.m

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar amid the first phase of the voting on Thursday, PM Modi said, “Jhalmuri maine khayi, lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai. [I ate the jhal muri, but the spice hit TMC]”. He added that people have so much anger for TMC and its party leaders that in some states, they will not get a single seat.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate was chased in South Dinajpur. He was allegedly manhandled by TMC workers even as a security person tried to protect him.

Ink was smeared over BJP's lotus symbol on the EVM at a booth of Raghunathpur constituency. The ink hid the symbol, claimed Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan. West Bengal Sector CRPF later said on X that the ink was cleared and voting was going on peacefully.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses poll rally for second phase in West Bengal. He said, "The same voice is echoing from all sides... Everyone is saying, 'Paltano Dorkar' (change is necessary)... A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal... Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere."

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday remembered his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, amid bye-elections in the Baramati Assembly constituency. The Baramati seat fell vacant after Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28. His wife and Maharashtra Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths. The BJP leader said, "I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them)."

Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaks to an election official on the phone, urging the official to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, complain of EVM malfunction amid voting in the first phase of West Bengal elections

TMC block president of Nowda, Sofiuzzaman Saikh, says, "Humayun Kabir is trying to make a mess. On the day of the elections, he came with 15 cars with anti-social criminals and FIR-registered criminals. He came here to snatch out our polling station agents. Humayun is creating a lot of hooliganism here.

Congress's Suri candidate Sanjoy Adhikari alleged he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch. "We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told the PTI news agency.

Tamil Nadu registers 37.56 percent voting by 11 am and West Bengal voting percentage is 41.11 per cent

A clash broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad during polling as TMC workers raised slogans and clashed with police following the arrival of AUJP chief Humayun Kabir.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation, with police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Officials, however, said the situation was under control. ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere.” Kabir appealed for calm, urging supporters to ensure peaceful voting.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin cast his vote on Thursday at a polling station located in West Mambalam Sitaraman Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai as polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway.
He was accompanied by his wife, Prithi Narayanan. Ashwin waited for his turn in the line, showed his inked finger after casting the vote, before clicking selfies with the fans.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Ashwin said, "This is a very important election in Tamil Nadu. Just wanted to come and exercise my right. I have done my job, and now, everybody has to do theirs. Hopefully, whoever comes to power will change the face of Tamil Nadu."

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “transport paralysis” across Tamil Nadu on polling day and urging immediate intervention to ensure voters are not disenfranchised.

In his letter, Vijay claimed thousands of voters were stranded at major bus terminals such as Koyambedu, Kilambakkam and Madhavaram due to buses being diverted for poll duty without alternative arrangements. He called it an “assault on the fundamental right to vote.”

He urged the Election Commission to deploy additional public transport and run special shuttle services to polling booths, along with coordinated announcements to assist stranded voters. Vijay also flagged long queues and delays at polling stations, calling for supervisory officers to ensure smoother voting. He further demanded that polling hours be extended till 8 pm to accommodate affected voters.

Tension flared in Nowda, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, during polling on Thursday (Apr 23) after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown near a voting area, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred in the middle of voting hours, triggering panic among voters and residents in the locality. Eyewitness accounts suggested a sudden blast disrupted the otherwise steady polling process, with people scrambling to move to safety.

All you need to know HERE

Voting in West Bengal’s Assembly elections saw disruption at a polling booth in Malda on Thursday after a reported malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), with officials confirming that the sector officer assigned to the area could not be located during the incident.

The disruption was reported at a booth set up inside Balua Chara High School in the Mothabari constituency, part of the first phase of polling. Authorities said voting was halted briefly as officials worked to address the issue.

Voting picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the opening hours of the 2026 Assembly elections, with early turnout figures showing the following figures:

As of 9:00 am, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69 percent, while West Bengal, voting in Phase 1, reported a slightly higher 18.76 percent.

Polling began at 7:00 am in both states, and these numbers reflect participation in the first two hours of voting.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate from Royapuram constituency, D Jayakumar, cast his vote at a polling station in Mylapore on Thursday during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.
After exercising his franchise, Jayakumar said that voting was a key democratic responsibility and described the election as a crucial one for the state's future.
"We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and 'ganja' culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar told reporters.

BJP candidate from Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, cast her vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the party's performance.
She said, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP... They are determined to remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters."
Describing the election as a crucial political battle, she said, "This is a war to save Bengal. We don't want the politics of Hindu-Muslim. We want employment for the youth and bringing back 40 lakh people, who migrated from here, to come back."
She also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister, and you must leave the seat."

Voting has been delayed at a polling station in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after a technical snag was reported during the early hours of polling. 

The issue occurred at Booth 295 in Duvipuram, located in Thoothukudi district, where a malfunction in the control unit of the electronic voting machine disrupted the process.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

Click here to read more

Ahead of the voting for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 on Thursday, mock polling was held at the Chennai High School.

In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 began at 7:00 am in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1), and will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

Voting for single-phase Tamil Nadu elections and the first phase of West Bengal elections begins.

All 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of the total 294 constituencies in West Bengal are going to the polls today.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the Chief Minister's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

Voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, significantly ahead of Tamil Nadu, which also posted a strong 82.24%, according to the Election Commission.
The late afternoon figures highlight an intense wave of voter participation across both states, as polling hours drew to a close.

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalised during the first phase of voting in West Bengal's Asansol on Thursday. The incident took place in the Rahamatnagar area.
Paul said the rear portion of her car was severely damaged after a large stone was allegedly hurled at it while she was seated inside.

"As I sat in the car, someone broke the glass of the car with a big stone... This has been happening repeatedly. Who will commit such an incident in a minority area?" she asked.

Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent by 3:00 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, while Chennai reported a slightly lower polling figure of 68.13 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed full confidence of the BJP victory in West Bengal assembly polls and launched a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress, saying "May 4 is the expiry date of TMC's syndicate and this reign of jungle law".

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said there will be accountability for all wrongdoings after the results of the assembly polls are declared on May 4.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday responded to the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a notice to him over 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that "our people will reply to it".

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “Notice aane do. (Let the notice come). We will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it.”

Voter turnout in Bengal crosses 78% till 3p.m

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar amid the first phase of the voting on Thursday, PM Modi said, “Jhalmuri maine khayi, lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai. [I ate the jhal muri, but the spice hit TMC]”. He added that people have so much anger for TMC and its party leaders that in some states, they will not get a single seat.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate was chased in South Dinajpur. He was allegedly manhandled by TMC workers even as a security person tried to protect him.

Ink was smeared over BJP's lotus symbol on the EVM at a booth of Raghunathpur constituency. The ink hid the symbol, claimed Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan. West Bengal Sector CRPF later said on X that the ink was cleared and voting was going on peacefully.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses poll rally for second phase in West Bengal. He said, "The same voice is echoing from all sides... Everyone is saying, 'Paltano Dorkar' (change is necessary)... A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal... Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere."

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday remembered his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, amid bye-elections in the Baramati Assembly constituency. The Baramati seat fell vacant after Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28. His wife and Maharashtra Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths. The BJP leader said, "I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them)."

Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaks to an election official on the phone, urging the official to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, complain of EVM malfunction amid voting in the first phase of West Bengal elections

TMC block president of Nowda, Sofiuzzaman Saikh, says, "Humayun Kabir is trying to make a mess. On the day of the elections, he came with 15 cars with anti-social criminals and FIR-registered criminals. He came here to snatch out our polling station agents. Humayun is creating a lot of hooliganism here.

Congress's Suri candidate Sanjoy Adhikari alleged he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch. "We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told the PTI news agency.

Tamil Nadu registers 37.56 percent voting by 11 am and West Bengal voting percentage is 41.11 per cent

A clash broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad during polling as TMC workers raised slogans and clashed with police following the arrival of AUJP chief Humayun Kabir.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation, with police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Officials, however, said the situation was under control. ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere.” Kabir appealed for calm, urging supporters to ensure peaceful voting.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin cast his vote on Thursday at a polling station located in West Mambalam Sitaraman Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai as polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway.
He was accompanied by his wife, Prithi Narayanan. Ashwin waited for his turn in the line, showed his inked finger after casting the vote, before clicking selfies with the fans.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Ashwin said, "This is a very important election in Tamil Nadu. Just wanted to come and exercise my right. I have done my job, and now, everybody has to do theirs. Hopefully, whoever comes to power will change the face of Tamil Nadu."

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “transport paralysis” across Tamil Nadu on polling day and urging immediate intervention to ensure voters are not disenfranchised.

In his letter, Vijay claimed thousands of voters were stranded at major bus terminals such as Koyambedu, Kilambakkam and Madhavaram due to buses being diverted for poll duty without alternative arrangements. He called it an “assault on the fundamental right to vote.”

He urged the Election Commission to deploy additional public transport and run special shuttle services to polling booths, along with coordinated announcements to assist stranded voters. Vijay also flagged long queues and delays at polling stations, calling for supervisory officers to ensure smoother voting. He further demanded that polling hours be extended till 8 pm to accommodate affected voters.

Tension flared in Nowda, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, during polling on Thursday (Apr 23) after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown near a voting area, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred in the middle of voting hours, triggering panic among voters and residents in the locality. Eyewitness accounts suggested a sudden blast disrupted the otherwise steady polling process, with people scrambling to move to safety.

All you need to know HERE

Voting in West Bengal’s Assembly elections saw disruption at a polling booth in Malda on Thursday after a reported malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), with officials confirming that the sector officer assigned to the area could not be located during the incident.

The disruption was reported at a booth set up inside Balua Chara High School in the Mothabari constituency, part of the first phase of polling. Authorities said voting was halted briefly as officials worked to address the issue.

Voting picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the opening hours of the 2026 Assembly elections, with early turnout figures showing the following figures:

As of 9:00 am, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69 percent, while West Bengal, voting in Phase 1, reported a slightly higher 18.76 percent.

Polling began at 7:00 am in both states, and these numbers reflect participation in the first two hours of voting.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate from Royapuram constituency, D Jayakumar, cast his vote at a polling station in Mylapore on Thursday during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.
After exercising his franchise, Jayakumar said that voting was a key democratic responsibility and described the election as a crucial one for the state's future.
"We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and 'ganja' culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar told reporters.

BJP candidate from Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, cast her vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the party's performance.
She said, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP... They are determined to remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters."
Describing the election as a crucial political battle, she said, "This is a war to save Bengal. We don't want the politics of Hindu-Muslim. We want employment for the youth and bringing back 40 lakh people, who migrated from here, to come back."
She also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister, and you must leave the seat."

Voting has been delayed at a polling station in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after a technical snag was reported during the early hours of polling. 

The issue occurred at Booth 295 in Duvipuram, located in Thoothukudi district, where a malfunction in the control unit of the electronic voting machine disrupted the process.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

Click here to read more

Ahead of the voting for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 on Thursday, mock polling was held at the Chennai High School.

In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 began at 7:00 am in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1), and will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

Voting for single-phase Tamil Nadu elections and the first phase of West Bengal elections begins.

All 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of the total 294 constituencies in West Bengal are going to the polls today.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the Chief Minister's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

Voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, significantly ahead of Tamil Nadu, which also posted a strong 82.24%, according to the Election Commission.
The late afternoon figures highlight an intense wave of voter participation across both states, as polling hours drew to a close.

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalised during the first phase of voting in West Bengal's Asansol on Thursday. The incident took place in the Rahamatnagar area.
Paul said the rear portion of her car was severely damaged after a large stone was allegedly hurled at it while she was seated inside.

"As I sat in the car, someone broke the glass of the car with a big stone... This has been happening repeatedly. Who will commit such an incident in a minority area?" she asked.

Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent by 3:00 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, while Chennai reported a slightly lower polling figure of 68.13 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed full confidence of the BJP victory in West Bengal assembly polls and launched a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress, saying "May 4 is the expiry date of TMC's syndicate and this reign of jungle law".

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said there will be accountability for all wrongdoings after the results of the assembly polls are declared on May 4.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday responded to the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a notice to him over 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that "our people will reply to it".

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “Notice aane do. (Let the notice come). We will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it.”

Voter turnout in Bengal crosses 78% till 3p.m

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar amid the first phase of the voting on Thursday, PM Modi said, “Jhalmuri maine khayi, lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai. [I ate the jhal muri, but the spice hit TMC]”. He added that people have so much anger for TMC and its party leaders that in some states, they will not get a single seat.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate was chased in South Dinajpur. He was allegedly manhandled by TMC workers even as a security person tried to protect him.

Ink was smeared over BJP's lotus symbol on the EVM at a booth of Raghunathpur constituency. The ink hid the symbol, claimed Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan. West Bengal Sector CRPF later said on X that the ink was cleared and voting was going on peacefully.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses poll rally for second phase in West Bengal. He said, "The same voice is echoing from all sides... Everyone is saying, 'Paltano Dorkar' (change is necessary)... A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal... Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere."

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday remembered his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, amid bye-elections in the Baramati Assembly constituency. The Baramati seat fell vacant after Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28. His wife and Maharashtra Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths. The BJP leader said, "I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them)."

Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaks to an election official on the phone, urging the official to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, complain of EVM malfunction amid voting in the first phase of West Bengal elections

TMC block president of Nowda, Sofiuzzaman Saikh, says, "Humayun Kabir is trying to make a mess. On the day of the elections, he came with 15 cars with anti-social criminals and FIR-registered criminals. He came here to snatch out our polling station agents. Humayun is creating a lot of hooliganism here.

Congress's Suri candidate Sanjoy Adhikari alleged he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch. "We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told the PTI news agency.

Tamil Nadu registers 37.56 percent voting by 11 am and West Bengal voting percentage is 41.11 per cent

A clash broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad during polling as TMC workers raised slogans and clashed with police following the arrival of AUJP chief Humayun Kabir.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation, with police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Officials, however, said the situation was under control. ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere.” Kabir appealed for calm, urging supporters to ensure peaceful voting.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin cast his vote on Thursday at a polling station located in West Mambalam Sitaraman Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai as polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway.
He was accompanied by his wife, Prithi Narayanan. Ashwin waited for his turn in the line, showed his inked finger after casting the vote, before clicking selfies with the fans.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Ashwin said, "This is a very important election in Tamil Nadu. Just wanted to come and exercise my right. I have done my job, and now, everybody has to do theirs. Hopefully, whoever comes to power will change the face of Tamil Nadu."

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “transport paralysis” across Tamil Nadu on polling day and urging immediate intervention to ensure voters are not disenfranchised.

In his letter, Vijay claimed thousands of voters were stranded at major bus terminals such as Koyambedu, Kilambakkam and Madhavaram due to buses being diverted for poll duty without alternative arrangements. He called it an “assault on the fundamental right to vote.”

He urged the Election Commission to deploy additional public transport and run special shuttle services to polling booths, along with coordinated announcements to assist stranded voters. Vijay also flagged long queues and delays at polling stations, calling for supervisory officers to ensure smoother voting. He further demanded that polling hours be extended till 8 pm to accommodate affected voters.

Tension flared in Nowda, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, during polling on Thursday (Apr 23) after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown near a voting area, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred in the middle of voting hours, triggering panic among voters and residents in the locality. Eyewitness accounts suggested a sudden blast disrupted the otherwise steady polling process, with people scrambling to move to safety.

All you need to know HERE

Voting in West Bengal’s Assembly elections saw disruption at a polling booth in Malda on Thursday after a reported malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), with officials confirming that the sector officer assigned to the area could not be located during the incident.

The disruption was reported at a booth set up inside Balua Chara High School in the Mothabari constituency, part of the first phase of polling. Authorities said voting was halted briefly as officials worked to address the issue.

Voting picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the opening hours of the 2026 Assembly elections, with early turnout figures showing the following figures:

As of 9:00 am, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69 percent, while West Bengal, voting in Phase 1, reported a slightly higher 18.76 percent.

Polling began at 7:00 am in both states, and these numbers reflect participation in the first two hours of voting.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate from Royapuram constituency, D Jayakumar, cast his vote at a polling station in Mylapore on Thursday during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.
After exercising his franchise, Jayakumar said that voting was a key democratic responsibility and described the election as a crucial one for the state's future.
"We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and 'ganja' culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar told reporters.

BJP candidate from Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, cast her vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the party's performance.
She said, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP... They are determined to remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters."
Describing the election as a crucial political battle, she said, "This is a war to save Bengal. We don't want the politics of Hindu-Muslim. We want employment for the youth and bringing back 40 lakh people, who migrated from here, to come back."
She also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister, and you must leave the seat."

Voting has been delayed at a polling station in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after a technical snag was reported during the early hours of polling. 

The issue occurred at Booth 295 in Duvipuram, located in Thoothukudi district, where a malfunction in the control unit of the electronic voting machine disrupted the process.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

Click here to read more

Ahead of the voting for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 on Thursday, mock polling was held at the Chennai High School.

In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 began at 7:00 am in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1), and will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

Voting for single-phase Tamil Nadu elections and the first phase of West Bengal elections begins.

All 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of the total 294 constituencies in West Bengal are going to the polls today.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the Chief Minister's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

Voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, significantly ahead of Tamil Nadu, which also posted a strong 82.24%, according to the Election Commission.
The late afternoon figures highlight an intense wave of voter participation across both states, as polling hours drew to a close.

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalised during the first phase of voting in West Bengal's Asansol on Thursday. The incident took place in the Rahamatnagar area.
Paul said the rear portion of her car was severely damaged after a large stone was allegedly hurled at it while she was seated inside.

"As I sat in the car, someone broke the glass of the car with a big stone... This has been happening repeatedly. Who will commit such an incident in a minority area?" she asked.

Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent by 3:00 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, while Chennai reported a slightly lower polling figure of 68.13 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed full confidence of the BJP victory in West Bengal assembly polls and launched a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress, saying "May 4 is the expiry date of TMC's syndicate and this reign of jungle law".

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said there will be accountability for all wrongdoings after the results of the assembly polls are declared on May 4.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday responded to the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a notice to him over 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that "our people will reply to it".

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “Notice aane do. (Let the notice come). We will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it.”

Voter turnout in Bengal crosses 78% till 3p.m

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar amid the first phase of the voting on Thursday, PM Modi said, “Jhalmuri maine khayi, lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai. [I ate the jhal muri, but the spice hit TMC]”. He added that people have so much anger for TMC and its party leaders that in some states, they will not get a single seat.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate was chased in South Dinajpur. He was allegedly manhandled by TMC workers even as a security person tried to protect him.

Ink was smeared over BJP's lotus symbol on the EVM at a booth of Raghunathpur constituency. The ink hid the symbol, claimed Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan. West Bengal Sector CRPF later said on X that the ink was cleared and voting was going on peacefully.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses poll rally for second phase in West Bengal. He said, "The same voice is echoing from all sides... Everyone is saying, 'Paltano Dorkar' (change is necessary)... A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal... Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere."

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday remembered his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, amid bye-elections in the Baramati Assembly constituency. The Baramati seat fell vacant after Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28. His wife and Maharashtra Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths. The BJP leader said, "I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them)."

Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaks to an election official on the phone, urging the official to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, complain of EVM malfunction amid voting in the first phase of West Bengal elections

TMC block president of Nowda, Sofiuzzaman Saikh, says, "Humayun Kabir is trying to make a mess. On the day of the elections, he came with 15 cars with anti-social criminals and FIR-registered criminals. He came here to snatch out our polling station agents. Humayun is creating a lot of hooliganism here.

Congress's Suri candidate Sanjoy Adhikari alleged he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch. "We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told the PTI news agency.

Tamil Nadu registers 37.56 percent voting by 11 am and West Bengal voting percentage is 41.11 per cent

A clash broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad during polling as TMC workers raised slogans and clashed with police following the arrival of AUJP chief Humayun Kabir.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation, with police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Officials, however, said the situation was under control. ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere.” Kabir appealed for calm, urging supporters to ensure peaceful voting.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin cast his vote on Thursday at a polling station located in West Mambalam Sitaraman Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai as polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway.
He was accompanied by his wife, Prithi Narayanan. Ashwin waited for his turn in the line, showed his inked finger after casting the vote, before clicking selfies with the fans.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Ashwin said, "This is a very important election in Tamil Nadu. Just wanted to come and exercise my right. I have done my job, and now, everybody has to do theirs. Hopefully, whoever comes to power will change the face of Tamil Nadu."

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “transport paralysis” across Tamil Nadu on polling day and urging immediate intervention to ensure voters are not disenfranchised.

In his letter, Vijay claimed thousands of voters were stranded at major bus terminals such as Koyambedu, Kilambakkam and Madhavaram due to buses being diverted for poll duty without alternative arrangements. He called it an “assault on the fundamental right to vote.”

He urged the Election Commission to deploy additional public transport and run special shuttle services to polling booths, along with coordinated announcements to assist stranded voters. Vijay also flagged long queues and delays at polling stations, calling for supervisory officers to ensure smoother voting. He further demanded that polling hours be extended till 8 pm to accommodate affected voters.

Tension flared in Nowda, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, during polling on Thursday (Apr 23) after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown near a voting area, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred in the middle of voting hours, triggering panic among voters and residents in the locality. Eyewitness accounts suggested a sudden blast disrupted the otherwise steady polling process, with people scrambling to move to safety.

All you need to know HERE

Voting in West Bengal’s Assembly elections saw disruption at a polling booth in Malda on Thursday after a reported malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), with officials confirming that the sector officer assigned to the area could not be located during the incident.

The disruption was reported at a booth set up inside Balua Chara High School in the Mothabari constituency, part of the first phase of polling. Authorities said voting was halted briefly as officials worked to address the issue.

Voting picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the opening hours of the 2026 Assembly elections, with early turnout figures showing the following figures:

As of 9:00 am, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69 percent, while West Bengal, voting in Phase 1, reported a slightly higher 18.76 percent.

Polling began at 7:00 am in both states, and these numbers reflect participation in the first two hours of voting.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate from Royapuram constituency, D Jayakumar, cast his vote at a polling station in Mylapore on Thursday during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.
After exercising his franchise, Jayakumar said that voting was a key democratic responsibility and described the election as a crucial one for the state's future.
"We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and 'ganja' culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar told reporters.

BJP candidate from Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, cast her vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the party's performance.
She said, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP... They are determined to remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters."
Describing the election as a crucial political battle, she said, "This is a war to save Bengal. We don't want the politics of Hindu-Muslim. We want employment for the youth and bringing back 40 lakh people, who migrated from here, to come back."
She also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister, and you must leave the seat."

Voting has been delayed at a polling station in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after a technical snag was reported during the early hours of polling. 

The issue occurred at Booth 295 in Duvipuram, located in Thoothukudi district, where a malfunction in the control unit of the electronic voting machine disrupted the process.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

Click here to read more

Ahead of the voting for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 on Thursday, mock polling was held at the Chennai High School.

In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 began at 7:00 am in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1), and will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

Voting for single-phase Tamil Nadu elections and the first phase of West Bengal elections begins.

All 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of the total 294 constituencies in West Bengal are going to the polls today.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the Chief Minister's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

Voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, significantly ahead of Tamil Nadu, which also posted a strong 82.24%, according to the Election Commission.
The late afternoon figures highlight an intense wave of voter participation across both states, as polling hours drew to a close.

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalised during the first phase of voting in West Bengal's Asansol on Thursday. The incident took place in the Rahamatnagar area.
Paul said the rear portion of her car was severely damaged after a large stone was allegedly hurled at it while she was seated inside.

"As I sat in the car, someone broke the glass of the car with a big stone... This has been happening repeatedly. Who will commit such an incident in a minority area?" she asked.

Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent by 3:00 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, while Chennai reported a slightly lower polling figure of 68.13 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed full confidence of the BJP victory in West Bengal assembly polls and launched a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress, saying "May 4 is the expiry date of TMC's syndicate and this reign of jungle law".

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said there will be accountability for all wrongdoings after the results of the assembly polls are declared on May 4.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday responded to the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a notice to him over 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that "our people will reply to it".

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “Notice aane do. (Let the notice come). We will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it.”

Voter turnout in Bengal crosses 78% till 3p.m

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar amid the first phase of the voting on Thursday, PM Modi said, “Jhalmuri maine khayi, lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai. [I ate the jhal muri, but the spice hit TMC]”. He added that people have so much anger for TMC and its party leaders that in some states, they will not get a single seat.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate was chased in South Dinajpur. He was allegedly manhandled by TMC workers even as a security person tried to protect him.

Ink was smeared over BJP's lotus symbol on the EVM at a booth of Raghunathpur constituency. The ink hid the symbol, claimed Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan. West Bengal Sector CRPF later said on X that the ink was cleared and voting was going on peacefully.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses poll rally for second phase in West Bengal. He said, "The same voice is echoing from all sides... Everyone is saying, 'Paltano Dorkar' (change is necessary)... A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal... Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere."

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday remembered his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, amid bye-elections in the Baramati Assembly constituency. The Baramati seat fell vacant after Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28. His wife and Maharashtra Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths. The BJP leader said, "I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them)."

Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaks to an election official on the phone, urging the official to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, complain of EVM malfunction amid voting in the first phase of West Bengal elections

TMC block president of Nowda, Sofiuzzaman Saikh, says, "Humayun Kabir is trying to make a mess. On the day of the elections, he came with 15 cars with anti-social criminals and FIR-registered criminals. He came here to snatch out our polling station agents. Humayun is creating a lot of hooliganism here.

Congress's Suri candidate Sanjoy Adhikari alleged he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch. "We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told the PTI news agency.

Tamil Nadu registers 37.56 percent voting by 11 am and West Bengal voting percentage is 41.11 per cent

A clash broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad during polling as TMC workers raised slogans and clashed with police following the arrival of AUJP chief Humayun Kabir.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation, with police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Officials, however, said the situation was under control. ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere.” Kabir appealed for calm, urging supporters to ensure peaceful voting.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin cast his vote on Thursday at a polling station located in West Mambalam Sitaraman Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai as polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway.
He was accompanied by his wife, Prithi Narayanan. Ashwin waited for his turn in the line, showed his inked finger after casting the vote, before clicking selfies with the fans.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Ashwin said, "This is a very important election in Tamil Nadu. Just wanted to come and exercise my right. I have done my job, and now, everybody has to do theirs. Hopefully, whoever comes to power will change the face of Tamil Nadu."

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “transport paralysis” across Tamil Nadu on polling day and urging immediate intervention to ensure voters are not disenfranchised.

In his letter, Vijay claimed thousands of voters were stranded at major bus terminals such as Koyambedu, Kilambakkam and Madhavaram due to buses being diverted for poll duty without alternative arrangements. He called it an “assault on the fundamental right to vote.”

He urged the Election Commission to deploy additional public transport and run special shuttle services to polling booths, along with coordinated announcements to assist stranded voters. Vijay also flagged long queues and delays at polling stations, calling for supervisory officers to ensure smoother voting. He further demanded that polling hours be extended till 8 pm to accommodate affected voters.

Tension flared in Nowda, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, during polling on Thursday (Apr 23) after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown near a voting area, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred in the middle of voting hours, triggering panic among voters and residents in the locality. Eyewitness accounts suggested a sudden blast disrupted the otherwise steady polling process, with people scrambling to move to safety.

All you need to know HERE

Voting in West Bengal’s Assembly elections saw disruption at a polling booth in Malda on Thursday after a reported malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), with officials confirming that the sector officer assigned to the area could not be located during the incident.

The disruption was reported at a booth set up inside Balua Chara High School in the Mothabari constituency, part of the first phase of polling. Authorities said voting was halted briefly as officials worked to address the issue.

Voting picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the opening hours of the 2026 Assembly elections, with early turnout figures showing the following figures:

As of 9:00 am, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69 percent, while West Bengal, voting in Phase 1, reported a slightly higher 18.76 percent.

Polling began at 7:00 am in both states, and these numbers reflect participation in the first two hours of voting.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate from Royapuram constituency, D Jayakumar, cast his vote at a polling station in Mylapore on Thursday during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.
After exercising his franchise, Jayakumar said that voting was a key democratic responsibility and described the election as a crucial one for the state's future.
"We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and 'ganja' culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar told reporters.

BJP candidate from Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, cast her vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the party's performance.
She said, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP... They are determined to remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters."
Describing the election as a crucial political battle, she said, "This is a war to save Bengal. We don't want the politics of Hindu-Muslim. We want employment for the youth and bringing back 40 lakh people, who migrated from here, to come back."
She also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister, and you must leave the seat."

Voting has been delayed at a polling station in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after a technical snag was reported during the early hours of polling. 

The issue occurred at Booth 295 in Duvipuram, located in Thoothukudi district, where a malfunction in the control unit of the electronic voting machine disrupted the process.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

Click here to read more

Ahead of the voting for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 on Thursday, mock polling was held at the Chennai High School.

In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 began at 7:00 am in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1), and will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

Voting for single-phase Tamil Nadu elections and the first phase of West Bengal elections begins.

All 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of the total 294 constituencies in West Bengal are going to the polls today.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the Chief Minister's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

Voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, significantly ahead of Tamil Nadu, which also posted a strong 82.24%, according to the Election Commission.
The late afternoon figures highlight an intense wave of voter participation across both states, as polling hours drew to a close.

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalised during the first phase of voting in West Bengal's Asansol on Thursday. The incident took place in the Rahamatnagar area.
Paul said the rear portion of her car was severely damaged after a large stone was allegedly hurled at it while she was seated inside.

"As I sat in the car, someone broke the glass of the car with a big stone... This has been happening repeatedly. Who will commit such an incident in a minority area?" she asked.

Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent by 3:00 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, while Chennai reported a slightly lower polling figure of 68.13 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed full confidence of the BJP victory in West Bengal assembly polls and launched a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress, saying "May 4 is the expiry date of TMC's syndicate and this reign of jungle law".

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said there will be accountability for all wrongdoings after the results of the assembly polls are declared on May 4.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday responded to the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a notice to him over 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that "our people will reply to it".

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “Notice aane do. (Let the notice come). We will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it.”

Voter turnout in Bengal crosses 78% till 3p.m

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar amid the first phase of the voting on Thursday, PM Modi said, “Jhalmuri maine khayi, lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai. [I ate the jhal muri, but the spice hit TMC]”. He added that people have so much anger for TMC and its party leaders that in some states, they will not get a single seat.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate was chased in South Dinajpur. He was allegedly manhandled by TMC workers even as a security person tried to protect him.

Ink was smeared over BJP's lotus symbol on the EVM at a booth of Raghunathpur constituency. The ink hid the symbol, claimed Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan. West Bengal Sector CRPF later said on X that the ink was cleared and voting was going on peacefully.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses poll rally for second phase in West Bengal. He said, "The same voice is echoing from all sides... Everyone is saying, 'Paltano Dorkar' (change is necessary)... A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal... Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere."

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday remembered his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, amid bye-elections in the Baramati Assembly constituency. The Baramati seat fell vacant after Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28. His wife and Maharashtra Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths. The BJP leader said, "I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them)."

Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaks to an election official on the phone, urging the official to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, complain of EVM malfunction amid voting in the first phase of West Bengal elections

TMC block president of Nowda, Sofiuzzaman Saikh, says, "Humayun Kabir is trying to make a mess. On the day of the elections, he came with 15 cars with anti-social criminals and FIR-registered criminals. He came here to snatch out our polling station agents. Humayun is creating a lot of hooliganism here.

Congress's Suri candidate Sanjoy Adhikari alleged he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch. "We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told the PTI news agency.

Tamil Nadu registers 37.56 percent voting by 11 am and West Bengal voting percentage is 41.11 per cent

A clash broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad during polling as TMC workers raised slogans and clashed with police following the arrival of AUJP chief Humayun Kabir.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation, with police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Officials, however, said the situation was under control. ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere.” Kabir appealed for calm, urging supporters to ensure peaceful voting.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin cast his vote on Thursday at a polling station located in West Mambalam Sitaraman Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai as polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway.
He was accompanied by his wife, Prithi Narayanan. Ashwin waited for his turn in the line, showed his inked finger after casting the vote, before clicking selfies with the fans.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Ashwin said, "This is a very important election in Tamil Nadu. Just wanted to come and exercise my right. I have done my job, and now, everybody has to do theirs. Hopefully, whoever comes to power will change the face of Tamil Nadu."

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “transport paralysis” across Tamil Nadu on polling day and urging immediate intervention to ensure voters are not disenfranchised.

In his letter, Vijay claimed thousands of voters were stranded at major bus terminals such as Koyambedu, Kilambakkam and Madhavaram due to buses being diverted for poll duty without alternative arrangements. He called it an “assault on the fundamental right to vote.”

He urged the Election Commission to deploy additional public transport and run special shuttle services to polling booths, along with coordinated announcements to assist stranded voters. Vijay also flagged long queues and delays at polling stations, calling for supervisory officers to ensure smoother voting. He further demanded that polling hours be extended till 8 pm to accommodate affected voters.

Tension flared in Nowda, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, during polling on Thursday (Apr 23) after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown near a voting area, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred in the middle of voting hours, triggering panic among voters and residents in the locality. Eyewitness accounts suggested a sudden blast disrupted the otherwise steady polling process, with people scrambling to move to safety.

All you need to know HERE

Voting in West Bengal’s Assembly elections saw disruption at a polling booth in Malda on Thursday after a reported malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), with officials confirming that the sector officer assigned to the area could not be located during the incident.

The disruption was reported at a booth set up inside Balua Chara High School in the Mothabari constituency, part of the first phase of polling. Authorities said voting was halted briefly as officials worked to address the issue.

Voting picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the opening hours of the 2026 Assembly elections, with early turnout figures showing the following figures:

As of 9:00 am, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69 percent, while West Bengal, voting in Phase 1, reported a slightly higher 18.76 percent.

Polling began at 7:00 am in both states, and these numbers reflect participation in the first two hours of voting.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate from Royapuram constituency, D Jayakumar, cast his vote at a polling station in Mylapore on Thursday during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.
After exercising his franchise, Jayakumar said that voting was a key democratic responsibility and described the election as a crucial one for the state's future.
"We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and 'ganja' culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar told reporters.

BJP candidate from Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, cast her vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the party's performance.
She said, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP... They are determined to remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters."
Describing the election as a crucial political battle, she said, "This is a war to save Bengal. We don't want the politics of Hindu-Muslim. We want employment for the youth and bringing back 40 lakh people, who migrated from here, to come back."
She also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister, and you must leave the seat."

Voting has been delayed at a polling station in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after a technical snag was reported during the early hours of polling. 

The issue occurred at Booth 295 in Duvipuram, located in Thoothukudi district, where a malfunction in the control unit of the electronic voting machine disrupted the process.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

Click here to read more

Ahead of the voting for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 on Thursday, mock polling was held at the Chennai High School.

In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 began at 7:00 am in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1), and will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

Voting for single-phase Tamil Nadu elections and the first phase of West Bengal elections begins.

All 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of the total 294 constituencies in West Bengal are going to the polls today.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the Chief Minister's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

Voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, significantly ahead of Tamil Nadu, which also posted a strong 82.24%, according to the Election Commission.
The late afternoon figures highlight an intense wave of voter participation across both states, as polling hours drew to a close.

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalised during the first phase of voting in West Bengal's Asansol on Thursday. The incident took place in the Rahamatnagar area.
Paul said the rear portion of her car was severely damaged after a large stone was allegedly hurled at it while she was seated inside.

"As I sat in the car, someone broke the glass of the car with a big stone... This has been happening repeatedly. Who will commit such an incident in a minority area?" she asked.

Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent by 3:00 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, while Chennai reported a slightly lower polling figure of 68.13 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed full confidence of the BJP victory in West Bengal assembly polls and launched a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress, saying "May 4 is the expiry date of TMC's syndicate and this reign of jungle law".

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said there will be accountability for all wrongdoings after the results of the assembly polls are declared on May 4.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday responded to the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a notice to him over 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that "our people will reply to it".

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “Notice aane do. (Let the notice come). We will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it.”

Voter turnout in Bengal crosses 78% till 3p.m

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar amid the first phase of the voting on Thursday, PM Modi said, “Jhalmuri maine khayi, lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai. [I ate the jhal muri, but the spice hit TMC]”. He added that people have so much anger for TMC and its party leaders that in some states, they will not get a single seat.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate was chased in South Dinajpur. He was allegedly manhandled by TMC workers even as a security person tried to protect him.

Ink was smeared over BJP's lotus symbol on the EVM at a booth of Raghunathpur constituency. The ink hid the symbol, claimed Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan. West Bengal Sector CRPF later said on X that the ink was cleared and voting was going on peacefully.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses poll rally for second phase in West Bengal. He said, "The same voice is echoing from all sides... Everyone is saying, 'Paltano Dorkar' (change is necessary)... A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal... Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere."

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday remembered his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, amid bye-elections in the Baramati Assembly constituency. The Baramati seat fell vacant after Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28. His wife and Maharashtra Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths. The BJP leader said, "I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them)."

Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaks to an election official on the phone, urging the official to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, complain of EVM malfunction amid voting in the first phase of West Bengal elections

TMC block president of Nowda, Sofiuzzaman Saikh, says, "Humayun Kabir is trying to make a mess. On the day of the elections, he came with 15 cars with anti-social criminals and FIR-registered criminals. He came here to snatch out our polling station agents. Humayun is creating a lot of hooliganism here.

Congress's Suri candidate Sanjoy Adhikari alleged he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch. "We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told the PTI news agency.

Tamil Nadu registers 37.56 percent voting by 11 am and West Bengal voting percentage is 41.11 per cent

A clash broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad during polling as TMC workers raised slogans and clashed with police following the arrival of AUJP chief Humayun Kabir.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation, with police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Officials, however, said the situation was under control. ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere.” Kabir appealed for calm, urging supporters to ensure peaceful voting.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin cast his vote on Thursday at a polling station located in West Mambalam Sitaraman Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai as polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway.
He was accompanied by his wife, Prithi Narayanan. Ashwin waited for his turn in the line, showed his inked finger after casting the vote, before clicking selfies with the fans.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Ashwin said, "This is a very important election in Tamil Nadu. Just wanted to come and exercise my right. I have done my job, and now, everybody has to do theirs. Hopefully, whoever comes to power will change the face of Tamil Nadu."

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “transport paralysis” across Tamil Nadu on polling day and urging immediate intervention to ensure voters are not disenfranchised.

In his letter, Vijay claimed thousands of voters were stranded at major bus terminals such as Koyambedu, Kilambakkam and Madhavaram due to buses being diverted for poll duty without alternative arrangements. He called it an “assault on the fundamental right to vote.”

He urged the Election Commission to deploy additional public transport and run special shuttle services to polling booths, along with coordinated announcements to assist stranded voters. Vijay also flagged long queues and delays at polling stations, calling for supervisory officers to ensure smoother voting. He further demanded that polling hours be extended till 8 pm to accommodate affected voters.

Tension flared in Nowda, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, during polling on Thursday (Apr 23) after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown near a voting area, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred in the middle of voting hours, triggering panic among voters and residents in the locality. Eyewitness accounts suggested a sudden blast disrupted the otherwise steady polling process, with people scrambling to move to safety.

All you need to know HERE

Voting in West Bengal’s Assembly elections saw disruption at a polling booth in Malda on Thursday after a reported malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), with officials confirming that the sector officer assigned to the area could not be located during the incident.

The disruption was reported at a booth set up inside Balua Chara High School in the Mothabari constituency, part of the first phase of polling. Authorities said voting was halted briefly as officials worked to address the issue.

Voting picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the opening hours of the 2026 Assembly elections, with early turnout figures showing the following figures:

As of 9:00 am, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69 percent, while West Bengal, voting in Phase 1, reported a slightly higher 18.76 percent.

Polling began at 7:00 am in both states, and these numbers reflect participation in the first two hours of voting.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate from Royapuram constituency, D Jayakumar, cast his vote at a polling station in Mylapore on Thursday during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.
After exercising his franchise, Jayakumar said that voting was a key democratic responsibility and described the election as a crucial one for the state's future.
"We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and 'ganja' culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar told reporters.

BJP candidate from Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, cast her vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the party's performance.
She said, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP... They are determined to remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters."
Describing the election as a crucial political battle, she said, "This is a war to save Bengal. We don't want the politics of Hindu-Muslim. We want employment for the youth and bringing back 40 lakh people, who migrated from here, to come back."
She also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister, and you must leave the seat."

Voting has been delayed at a polling station in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after a technical snag was reported during the early hours of polling. 

The issue occurred at Booth 295 in Duvipuram, located in Thoothukudi district, where a malfunction in the control unit of the electronic voting machine disrupted the process.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

Click here to read more

Ahead of the voting for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 on Thursday, mock polling was held at the Chennai High School.

In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 began at 7:00 am in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1), and will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

Voting for single-phase Tamil Nadu elections and the first phase of West Bengal elections begins.

All 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of the total 294 constituencies in West Bengal are going to the polls today.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the Chief Minister's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

Voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, significantly ahead of Tamil Nadu, which also posted a strong 82.24%, according to the Election Commission.
The late afternoon figures highlight an intense wave of voter participation across both states, as polling hours drew to a close.

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalised during the first phase of voting in West Bengal's Asansol on Thursday. The incident took place in the Rahamatnagar area.
Paul said the rear portion of her car was severely damaged after a large stone was allegedly hurled at it while she was seated inside.

"As I sat in the car, someone broke the glass of the car with a big stone... This has been happening repeatedly. Who will commit such an incident in a minority area?" she asked.

Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent by 3:00 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, while Chennai reported a slightly lower polling figure of 68.13 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed full confidence of the BJP victory in West Bengal assembly polls and launched a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress, saying "May 4 is the expiry date of TMC's syndicate and this reign of jungle law".

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said there will be accountability for all wrongdoings after the results of the assembly polls are declared on May 4.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday responded to the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a notice to him over 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that "our people will reply to it".

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “Notice aane do. (Let the notice come). We will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it.”

Voter turnout in Bengal crosses 78% till 3p.m

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar amid the first phase of the voting on Thursday, PM Modi said, “Jhalmuri maine khayi, lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai. [I ate the jhal muri, but the spice hit TMC]”. He added that people have so much anger for TMC and its party leaders that in some states, they will not get a single seat.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate was chased in South Dinajpur. He was allegedly manhandled by TMC workers even as a security person tried to protect him.

Ink was smeared over BJP's lotus symbol on the EVM at a booth of Raghunathpur constituency. The ink hid the symbol, claimed Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan. West Bengal Sector CRPF later said on X that the ink was cleared and voting was going on peacefully.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses poll rally for second phase in West Bengal. He said, "The same voice is echoing from all sides... Everyone is saying, 'Paltano Dorkar' (change is necessary)... A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal... Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere."

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday remembered his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, amid bye-elections in the Baramati Assembly constituency. The Baramati seat fell vacant after Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28. His wife and Maharashtra Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths. The BJP leader said, "I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them)."

Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaks to an election official on the phone, urging the official to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, complain of EVM malfunction amid voting in the first phase of West Bengal elections

TMC block president of Nowda, Sofiuzzaman Saikh, says, "Humayun Kabir is trying to make a mess. On the day of the elections, he came with 15 cars with anti-social criminals and FIR-registered criminals. He came here to snatch out our polling station agents. Humayun is creating a lot of hooliganism here.

Congress's Suri candidate Sanjoy Adhikari alleged he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch. "We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told the PTI news agency.

Tamil Nadu registers 37.56 percent voting by 11 am and West Bengal voting percentage is 41.11 per cent

A clash broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad during polling as TMC workers raised slogans and clashed with police following the arrival of AUJP chief Humayun Kabir.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation, with police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Officials, however, said the situation was under control. ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere.” Kabir appealed for calm, urging supporters to ensure peaceful voting.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin cast his vote on Thursday at a polling station located in West Mambalam Sitaraman Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai as polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway.
He was accompanied by his wife, Prithi Narayanan. Ashwin waited for his turn in the line, showed his inked finger after casting the vote, before clicking selfies with the fans.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Ashwin said, "This is a very important election in Tamil Nadu. Just wanted to come and exercise my right. I have done my job, and now, everybody has to do theirs. Hopefully, whoever comes to power will change the face of Tamil Nadu."

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “transport paralysis” across Tamil Nadu on polling day and urging immediate intervention to ensure voters are not disenfranchised.

In his letter, Vijay claimed thousands of voters were stranded at major bus terminals such as Koyambedu, Kilambakkam and Madhavaram due to buses being diverted for poll duty without alternative arrangements. He called it an “assault on the fundamental right to vote.”

He urged the Election Commission to deploy additional public transport and run special shuttle services to polling booths, along with coordinated announcements to assist stranded voters. Vijay also flagged long queues and delays at polling stations, calling for supervisory officers to ensure smoother voting. He further demanded that polling hours be extended till 8 pm to accommodate affected voters.

Tension flared in Nowda, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, during polling on Thursday (Apr 23) after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown near a voting area, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred in the middle of voting hours, triggering panic among voters and residents in the locality. Eyewitness accounts suggested a sudden blast disrupted the otherwise steady polling process, with people scrambling to move to safety.

All you need to know HERE

Voting in West Bengal’s Assembly elections saw disruption at a polling booth in Malda on Thursday after a reported malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), with officials confirming that the sector officer assigned to the area could not be located during the incident.

The disruption was reported at a booth set up inside Balua Chara High School in the Mothabari constituency, part of the first phase of polling. Authorities said voting was halted briefly as officials worked to address the issue.

Voting picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the opening hours of the 2026 Assembly elections, with early turnout figures showing the following figures:

As of 9:00 am, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69 percent, while West Bengal, voting in Phase 1, reported a slightly higher 18.76 percent.

Polling began at 7:00 am in both states, and these numbers reflect participation in the first two hours of voting.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate from Royapuram constituency, D Jayakumar, cast his vote at a polling station in Mylapore on Thursday during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.
After exercising his franchise, Jayakumar said that voting was a key democratic responsibility and described the election as a crucial one for the state's future.
"We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and 'ganja' culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar told reporters.

BJP candidate from Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, cast her vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the party's performance.
She said, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP... They are determined to remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters."
Describing the election as a crucial political battle, she said, "This is a war to save Bengal. We don't want the politics of Hindu-Muslim. We want employment for the youth and bringing back 40 lakh people, who migrated from here, to come back."
She also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister, and you must leave the seat."

Voting has been delayed at a polling station in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after a technical snag was reported during the early hours of polling. 

The issue occurred at Booth 295 in Duvipuram, located in Thoothukudi district, where a malfunction in the control unit of the electronic voting machine disrupted the process.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

Click here to read more

Ahead of the voting for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 on Thursday, mock polling was held at the Chennai High School.

In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 began at 7:00 am in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1), and will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

Voting for single-phase Tamil Nadu elections and the first phase of West Bengal elections begins.

All 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of the total 294 constituencies in West Bengal are going to the polls today.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the Chief Minister's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

Voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, significantly ahead of Tamil Nadu, which also posted a strong 82.24%, according to the Election Commission.
The late afternoon figures highlight an intense wave of voter participation across both states, as polling hours drew to a close.

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalised during the first phase of voting in West Bengal's Asansol on Thursday. The incident took place in the Rahamatnagar area.
Paul said the rear portion of her car was severely damaged after a large stone was allegedly hurled at it while she was seated inside.

"As I sat in the car, someone broke the glass of the car with a big stone... This has been happening repeatedly. Who will commit such an incident in a minority area?" she asked.

Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent by 3:00 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, while Chennai reported a slightly lower polling figure of 68.13 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed full confidence of the BJP victory in West Bengal assembly polls and launched a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress, saying "May 4 is the expiry date of TMC's syndicate and this reign of jungle law".

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said there will be accountability for all wrongdoings after the results of the assembly polls are declared on May 4.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday responded to the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a notice to him over 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that "our people will reply to it".

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “Notice aane do. (Let the notice come). We will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it.”

Voter turnout in Bengal crosses 78% till 3p.m

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar amid the first phase of the voting on Thursday, PM Modi said, “Jhalmuri maine khayi, lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai. [I ate the jhal muri, but the spice hit TMC]”. He added that people have so much anger for TMC and its party leaders that in some states, they will not get a single seat.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate was chased in South Dinajpur. He was allegedly manhandled by TMC workers even as a security person tried to protect him.

Ink was smeared over BJP's lotus symbol on the EVM at a booth of Raghunathpur constituency. The ink hid the symbol, claimed Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan. West Bengal Sector CRPF later said on X that the ink was cleared and voting was going on peacefully.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses poll rally for second phase in West Bengal. He said, "The same voice is echoing from all sides... Everyone is saying, 'Paltano Dorkar' (change is necessary)... A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal... Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere."

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday remembered his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, amid bye-elections in the Baramati Assembly constituency. The Baramati seat fell vacant after Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28. His wife and Maharashtra Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths. The BJP leader said, "I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them)."

Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaks to an election official on the phone, urging the official to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, complain of EVM malfunction amid voting in the first phase of West Bengal elections

TMC block president of Nowda, Sofiuzzaman Saikh, says, "Humayun Kabir is trying to make a mess. On the day of the elections, he came with 15 cars with anti-social criminals and FIR-registered criminals. He came here to snatch out our polling station agents. Humayun is creating a lot of hooliganism here.

Congress's Suri candidate Sanjoy Adhikari alleged he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch. "We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told the PTI news agency.

Tamil Nadu registers 37.56 percent voting by 11 am and West Bengal voting percentage is 41.11 per cent

A clash broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad during polling as TMC workers raised slogans and clashed with police following the arrival of AUJP chief Humayun Kabir.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation, with police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Officials, however, said the situation was under control. ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere.” Kabir appealed for calm, urging supporters to ensure peaceful voting.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin cast his vote on Thursday at a polling station located in West Mambalam Sitaraman Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai as polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway.
He was accompanied by his wife, Prithi Narayanan. Ashwin waited for his turn in the line, showed his inked finger after casting the vote, before clicking selfies with the fans.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Ashwin said, "This is a very important election in Tamil Nadu. Just wanted to come and exercise my right. I have done my job, and now, everybody has to do theirs. Hopefully, whoever comes to power will change the face of Tamil Nadu."

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “transport paralysis” across Tamil Nadu on polling day and urging immediate intervention to ensure voters are not disenfranchised.

In his letter, Vijay claimed thousands of voters were stranded at major bus terminals such as Koyambedu, Kilambakkam and Madhavaram due to buses being diverted for poll duty without alternative arrangements. He called it an “assault on the fundamental right to vote.”

He urged the Election Commission to deploy additional public transport and run special shuttle services to polling booths, along with coordinated announcements to assist stranded voters. Vijay also flagged long queues and delays at polling stations, calling for supervisory officers to ensure smoother voting. He further demanded that polling hours be extended till 8 pm to accommodate affected voters.

Tension flared in Nowda, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, during polling on Thursday (Apr 23) after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown near a voting area, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred in the middle of voting hours, triggering panic among voters and residents in the locality. Eyewitness accounts suggested a sudden blast disrupted the otherwise steady polling process, with people scrambling to move to safety.

All you need to know HERE

Voting in West Bengal’s Assembly elections saw disruption at a polling booth in Malda on Thursday after a reported malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), with officials confirming that the sector officer assigned to the area could not be located during the incident.

The disruption was reported at a booth set up inside Balua Chara High School in the Mothabari constituency, part of the first phase of polling. Authorities said voting was halted briefly as officials worked to address the issue.

Voting picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the opening hours of the 2026 Assembly elections, with early turnout figures showing the following figures:

As of 9:00 am, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69 percent, while West Bengal, voting in Phase 1, reported a slightly higher 18.76 percent.

Polling began at 7:00 am in both states, and these numbers reflect participation in the first two hours of voting.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate from Royapuram constituency, D Jayakumar, cast his vote at a polling station in Mylapore on Thursday during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.
After exercising his franchise, Jayakumar said that voting was a key democratic responsibility and described the election as a crucial one for the state's future.
"We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and 'ganja' culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar told reporters.

BJP candidate from Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, cast her vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the party's performance.
She said, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP... They are determined to remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters."
Describing the election as a crucial political battle, she said, "This is a war to save Bengal. We don't want the politics of Hindu-Muslim. We want employment for the youth and bringing back 40 lakh people, who migrated from here, to come back."
She also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister, and you must leave the seat."

Voting has been delayed at a polling station in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after a technical snag was reported during the early hours of polling. 

The issue occurred at Booth 295 in Duvipuram, located in Thoothukudi district, where a malfunction in the control unit of the electronic voting machine disrupted the process.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

Click here to read more

Ahead of the voting for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 on Thursday, mock polling was held at the Chennai High School.

In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 began at 7:00 am in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1), and will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

Voting for single-phase Tamil Nadu elections and the first phase of West Bengal elections begins.

All 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of the total 294 constituencies in West Bengal are going to the polls today.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the Chief Minister's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

Voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, significantly ahead of Tamil Nadu, which also posted a strong 82.24%, according to the Election Commission.
The late afternoon figures highlight an intense wave of voter participation across both states, as polling hours drew to a close.

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalised during the first phase of voting in West Bengal's Asansol on Thursday. The incident took place in the Rahamatnagar area.
Paul said the rear portion of her car was severely damaged after a large stone was allegedly hurled at it while she was seated inside.

"As I sat in the car, someone broke the glass of the car with a big stone... This has been happening repeatedly. Who will commit such an incident in a minority area?" she asked.

Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent by 3:00 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, while Chennai reported a slightly lower polling figure of 68.13 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed full confidence of the BJP victory in West Bengal assembly polls and launched a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress, saying "May 4 is the expiry date of TMC's syndicate and this reign of jungle law".

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said there will be accountability for all wrongdoings after the results of the assembly polls are declared on May 4.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday responded to the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a notice to him over 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that "our people will reply to it".

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “Notice aane do. (Let the notice come). We will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it.”

Voter turnout in Bengal crosses 78% till 3p.m

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar amid the first phase of the voting on Thursday, PM Modi said, “Jhalmuri maine khayi, lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai. [I ate the jhal muri, but the spice hit TMC]”. He added that people have so much anger for TMC and its party leaders that in some states, they will not get a single seat.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate was chased in South Dinajpur. He was allegedly manhandled by TMC workers even as a security person tried to protect him.

Ink was smeared over BJP's lotus symbol on the EVM at a booth of Raghunathpur constituency. The ink hid the symbol, claimed Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan. West Bengal Sector CRPF later said on X that the ink was cleared and voting was going on peacefully.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses poll rally for second phase in West Bengal. He said, "The same voice is echoing from all sides... Everyone is saying, 'Paltano Dorkar' (change is necessary)... A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal... Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere."

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday remembered his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, amid bye-elections in the Baramati Assembly constituency. The Baramati seat fell vacant after Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28. His wife and Maharashtra Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths. The BJP leader said, "I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them)."

Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaks to an election official on the phone, urging the official to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, complain of EVM malfunction amid voting in the first phase of West Bengal elections

TMC block president of Nowda, Sofiuzzaman Saikh, says, "Humayun Kabir is trying to make a mess. On the day of the elections, he came with 15 cars with anti-social criminals and FIR-registered criminals. He came here to snatch out our polling station agents. Humayun is creating a lot of hooliganism here.

Congress's Suri candidate Sanjoy Adhikari alleged he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch. "We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told the PTI news agency.

Tamil Nadu registers 37.56 percent voting by 11 am and West Bengal voting percentage is 41.11 per cent

A clash broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad during polling as TMC workers raised slogans and clashed with police following the arrival of AUJP chief Humayun Kabir.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation, with police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Officials, however, said the situation was under control. ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere.” Kabir appealed for calm, urging supporters to ensure peaceful voting.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin cast his vote on Thursday at a polling station located in West Mambalam Sitaraman Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai as polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway.
He was accompanied by his wife, Prithi Narayanan. Ashwin waited for his turn in the line, showed his inked finger after casting the vote, before clicking selfies with the fans.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Ashwin said, "This is a very important election in Tamil Nadu. Just wanted to come and exercise my right. I have done my job, and now, everybody has to do theirs. Hopefully, whoever comes to power will change the face of Tamil Nadu."

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “transport paralysis” across Tamil Nadu on polling day and urging immediate intervention to ensure voters are not disenfranchised.

In his letter, Vijay claimed thousands of voters were stranded at major bus terminals such as Koyambedu, Kilambakkam and Madhavaram due to buses being diverted for poll duty without alternative arrangements. He called it an “assault on the fundamental right to vote.”

He urged the Election Commission to deploy additional public transport and run special shuttle services to polling booths, along with coordinated announcements to assist stranded voters. Vijay also flagged long queues and delays at polling stations, calling for supervisory officers to ensure smoother voting. He further demanded that polling hours be extended till 8 pm to accommodate affected voters.

Tension flared in Nowda, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, during polling on Thursday (Apr 23) after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown near a voting area, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred in the middle of voting hours, triggering panic among voters and residents in the locality. Eyewitness accounts suggested a sudden blast disrupted the otherwise steady polling process, with people scrambling to move to safety.

All you need to know HERE

Voting in West Bengal’s Assembly elections saw disruption at a polling booth in Malda on Thursday after a reported malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), with officials confirming that the sector officer assigned to the area could not be located during the incident.

The disruption was reported at a booth set up inside Balua Chara High School in the Mothabari constituency, part of the first phase of polling. Authorities said voting was halted briefly as officials worked to address the issue.

Voting picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the opening hours of the 2026 Assembly elections, with early turnout figures showing the following figures:

As of 9:00 am, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69 percent, while West Bengal, voting in Phase 1, reported a slightly higher 18.76 percent.

Polling began at 7:00 am in both states, and these numbers reflect participation in the first two hours of voting.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate from Royapuram constituency, D Jayakumar, cast his vote at a polling station in Mylapore on Thursday during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.
After exercising his franchise, Jayakumar said that voting was a key democratic responsibility and described the election as a crucial one for the state's future.
"We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and 'ganja' culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar told reporters.

BJP candidate from Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, cast her vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the party's performance.
She said, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP... They are determined to remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters."
Describing the election as a crucial political battle, she said, "This is a war to save Bengal. We don't want the politics of Hindu-Muslim. We want employment for the youth and bringing back 40 lakh people, who migrated from here, to come back."
She also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister, and you must leave the seat."

Voting has been delayed at a polling station in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after a technical snag was reported during the early hours of polling. 

The issue occurred at Booth 295 in Duvipuram, located in Thoothukudi district, where a malfunction in the control unit of the electronic voting machine disrupted the process.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

Click here to read more

Ahead of the voting for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 on Thursday, mock polling was held at the Chennai High School.

In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 began at 7:00 am in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1), and will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

Voting for single-phase Tamil Nadu elections and the first phase of West Bengal elections begins.

All 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of the total 294 constituencies in West Bengal are going to the polls today.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the Chief Minister's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

Voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, significantly ahead of Tamil Nadu, which also posted a strong 82.24%, according to the Election Commission.
The late afternoon figures highlight an intense wave of voter participation across both states, as polling hours drew to a close.

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalised during the first phase of voting in West Bengal's Asansol on Thursday. The incident took place in the Rahamatnagar area.
Paul said the rear portion of her car was severely damaged after a large stone was allegedly hurled at it while she was seated inside.

"As I sat in the car, someone broke the glass of the car with a big stone... This has been happening repeatedly. Who will commit such an incident in a minority area?" she asked.

Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent by 3:00 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, while Chennai reported a slightly lower polling figure of 68.13 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed full confidence of the BJP victory in West Bengal assembly polls and launched a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress, saying "May 4 is the expiry date of TMC's syndicate and this reign of jungle law".

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said there will be accountability for all wrongdoings after the results of the assembly polls are declared on May 4.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday responded to the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a notice to him over 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that "our people will reply to it".

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “Notice aane do. (Let the notice come). We will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it.”

Voter turnout in Bengal crosses 78% till 3p.m

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar amid the first phase of the voting on Thursday, PM Modi said, “Jhalmuri maine khayi, lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai. [I ate the jhal muri, but the spice hit TMC]”. He added that people have so much anger for TMC and its party leaders that in some states, they will not get a single seat.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate was chased in South Dinajpur. He was allegedly manhandled by TMC workers even as a security person tried to protect him.

Ink was smeared over BJP's lotus symbol on the EVM at a booth of Raghunathpur constituency. The ink hid the symbol, claimed Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan. West Bengal Sector CRPF later said on X that the ink was cleared and voting was going on peacefully.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses poll rally for second phase in West Bengal. He said, "The same voice is echoing from all sides... Everyone is saying, 'Paltano Dorkar' (change is necessary)... A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal... Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere."

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday remembered his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, amid bye-elections in the Baramati Assembly constituency. The Baramati seat fell vacant after Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28. His wife and Maharashtra Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths. The BJP leader said, "I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them)."

Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaks to an election official on the phone, urging the official to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, complain of EVM malfunction amid voting in the first phase of West Bengal elections

TMC block president of Nowda, Sofiuzzaman Saikh, says, "Humayun Kabir is trying to make a mess. On the day of the elections, he came with 15 cars with anti-social criminals and FIR-registered criminals. He came here to snatch out our polling station agents. Humayun is creating a lot of hooliganism here.

Congress's Suri candidate Sanjoy Adhikari alleged he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch. "We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told the PTI news agency.

Tamil Nadu registers 37.56 percent voting by 11 am and West Bengal voting percentage is 41.11 per cent

A clash broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad during polling as TMC workers raised slogans and clashed with police following the arrival of AUJP chief Humayun Kabir.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation, with police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Officials, however, said the situation was under control. ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere.” Kabir appealed for calm, urging supporters to ensure peaceful voting.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin cast his vote on Thursday at a polling station located in West Mambalam Sitaraman Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai as polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway.
He was accompanied by his wife, Prithi Narayanan. Ashwin waited for his turn in the line, showed his inked finger after casting the vote, before clicking selfies with the fans.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Ashwin said, "This is a very important election in Tamil Nadu. Just wanted to come and exercise my right. I have done my job, and now, everybody has to do theirs. Hopefully, whoever comes to power will change the face of Tamil Nadu."

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “transport paralysis” across Tamil Nadu on polling day and urging immediate intervention to ensure voters are not disenfranchised.

In his letter, Vijay claimed thousands of voters were stranded at major bus terminals such as Koyambedu, Kilambakkam and Madhavaram due to buses being diverted for poll duty without alternative arrangements. He called it an “assault on the fundamental right to vote.”

He urged the Election Commission to deploy additional public transport and run special shuttle services to polling booths, along with coordinated announcements to assist stranded voters. Vijay also flagged long queues and delays at polling stations, calling for supervisory officers to ensure smoother voting. He further demanded that polling hours be extended till 8 pm to accommodate affected voters.

Tension flared in Nowda, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, during polling on Thursday (Apr 23) after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown near a voting area, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred in the middle of voting hours, triggering panic among voters and residents in the locality. Eyewitness accounts suggested a sudden blast disrupted the otherwise steady polling process, with people scrambling to move to safety.

All you need to know HERE

Voting in West Bengal’s Assembly elections saw disruption at a polling booth in Malda on Thursday after a reported malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), with officials confirming that the sector officer assigned to the area could not be located during the incident.

The disruption was reported at a booth set up inside Balua Chara High School in the Mothabari constituency, part of the first phase of polling. Authorities said voting was halted briefly as officials worked to address the issue.

Voting picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the opening hours of the 2026 Assembly elections, with early turnout figures showing the following figures:

As of 9:00 am, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69 percent, while West Bengal, voting in Phase 1, reported a slightly higher 18.76 percent.

Polling began at 7:00 am in both states, and these numbers reflect participation in the first two hours of voting.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate from Royapuram constituency, D Jayakumar, cast his vote at a polling station in Mylapore on Thursday during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.
After exercising his franchise, Jayakumar said that voting was a key democratic responsibility and described the election as a crucial one for the state's future.
"We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and 'ganja' culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar told reporters.

BJP candidate from Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, cast her vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the party's performance.
She said, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP... They are determined to remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters."
Describing the election as a crucial political battle, she said, "This is a war to save Bengal. We don't want the politics of Hindu-Muslim. We want employment for the youth and bringing back 40 lakh people, who migrated from here, to come back."
She also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister, and you must leave the seat."

Voting has been delayed at a polling station in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after a technical snag was reported during the early hours of polling. 

The issue occurred at Booth 295 in Duvipuram, located in Thoothukudi district, where a malfunction in the control unit of the electronic voting machine disrupted the process.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

Click here to read more

Ahead of the voting for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 on Thursday, mock polling was held at the Chennai High School.

In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 began at 7:00 am in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1), and will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

Voting for single-phase Tamil Nadu elections and the first phase of West Bengal elections begins.

All 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of the total 294 constituencies in West Bengal are going to the polls today.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the Chief Minister's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

Voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, significantly ahead of Tamil Nadu, which also posted a strong 82.24%, according to the Election Commission.
The late afternoon figures highlight an intense wave of voter participation across both states, as polling hours drew to a close.

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalised during the first phase of voting in West Bengal's Asansol on Thursday. The incident took place in the Rahamatnagar area.
Paul said the rear portion of her car was severely damaged after a large stone was allegedly hurled at it while she was seated inside.

"As I sat in the car, someone broke the glass of the car with a big stone... This has been happening repeatedly. Who will commit such an incident in a minority area?" she asked.

Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent by 3:00 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, while Chennai reported a slightly lower polling figure of 68.13 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed full confidence of the BJP victory in West Bengal assembly polls and launched a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress, saying "May 4 is the expiry date of TMC's syndicate and this reign of jungle law".

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said there will be accountability for all wrongdoings after the results of the assembly polls are declared on May 4.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday responded to the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a notice to him over 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that "our people will reply to it".

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “Notice aane do. (Let the notice come). We will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it.”

Voter turnout in Bengal crosses 78% till 3p.m

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar amid the first phase of the voting on Thursday, PM Modi said, “Jhalmuri maine khayi, lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai. [I ate the jhal muri, but the spice hit TMC]”. He added that people have so much anger for TMC and its party leaders that in some states, they will not get a single seat.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate was chased in South Dinajpur. He was allegedly manhandled by TMC workers even as a security person tried to protect him.

Ink was smeared over BJP's lotus symbol on the EVM at a booth of Raghunathpur constituency. The ink hid the symbol, claimed Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan. West Bengal Sector CRPF later said on X that the ink was cleared and voting was going on peacefully.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses poll rally for second phase in West Bengal. He said, "The same voice is echoing from all sides... Everyone is saying, 'Paltano Dorkar' (change is necessary)... A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal... Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere."

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday remembered his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, amid bye-elections in the Baramati Assembly constituency. The Baramati seat fell vacant after Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28. His wife and Maharashtra Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths. The BJP leader said, "I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them)."

Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaks to an election official on the phone, urging the official to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, complain of EVM malfunction amid voting in the first phase of West Bengal elections

TMC block president of Nowda, Sofiuzzaman Saikh, says, "Humayun Kabir is trying to make a mess. On the day of the elections, he came with 15 cars with anti-social criminals and FIR-registered criminals. He came here to snatch out our polling station agents. Humayun is creating a lot of hooliganism here.

Congress's Suri candidate Sanjoy Adhikari alleged he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch. "We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told the PTI news agency.

Tamil Nadu registers 37.56 percent voting by 11 am and West Bengal voting percentage is 41.11 per cent

A clash broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad during polling as TMC workers raised slogans and clashed with police following the arrival of AUJP chief Humayun Kabir.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation, with police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Officials, however, said the situation was under control. ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere.” Kabir appealed for calm, urging supporters to ensure peaceful voting.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin cast his vote on Thursday at a polling station located in West Mambalam Sitaraman Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai as polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway.
He was accompanied by his wife, Prithi Narayanan. Ashwin waited for his turn in the line, showed his inked finger after casting the vote, before clicking selfies with the fans.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Ashwin said, "This is a very important election in Tamil Nadu. Just wanted to come and exercise my right. I have done my job, and now, everybody has to do theirs. Hopefully, whoever comes to power will change the face of Tamil Nadu."

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “transport paralysis” across Tamil Nadu on polling day and urging immediate intervention to ensure voters are not disenfranchised.

In his letter, Vijay claimed thousands of voters were stranded at major bus terminals such as Koyambedu, Kilambakkam and Madhavaram due to buses being diverted for poll duty without alternative arrangements. He called it an “assault on the fundamental right to vote.”

He urged the Election Commission to deploy additional public transport and run special shuttle services to polling booths, along with coordinated announcements to assist stranded voters. Vijay also flagged long queues and delays at polling stations, calling for supervisory officers to ensure smoother voting. He further demanded that polling hours be extended till 8 pm to accommodate affected voters.

Tension flared in Nowda, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, during polling on Thursday (Apr 23) after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown near a voting area, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred in the middle of voting hours, triggering panic among voters and residents in the locality. Eyewitness accounts suggested a sudden blast disrupted the otherwise steady polling process, with people scrambling to move to safety.

All you need to know HERE

Voting in West Bengal’s Assembly elections saw disruption at a polling booth in Malda on Thursday after a reported malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), with officials confirming that the sector officer assigned to the area could not be located during the incident.

The disruption was reported at a booth set up inside Balua Chara High School in the Mothabari constituency, part of the first phase of polling. Authorities said voting was halted briefly as officials worked to address the issue.

Voting picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the opening hours of the 2026 Assembly elections, with early turnout figures showing the following figures:

As of 9:00 am, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69 percent, while West Bengal, voting in Phase 1, reported a slightly higher 18.76 percent.

Polling began at 7:00 am in both states, and these numbers reflect participation in the first two hours of voting.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate from Royapuram constituency, D Jayakumar, cast his vote at a polling station in Mylapore on Thursday during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.
After exercising his franchise, Jayakumar said that voting was a key democratic responsibility and described the election as a crucial one for the state's future.
"We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and 'ganja' culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar told reporters.

BJP candidate from Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, cast her vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the party's performance.
She said, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP... They are determined to remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters."
Describing the election as a crucial political battle, she said, "This is a war to save Bengal. We don't want the politics of Hindu-Muslim. We want employment for the youth and bringing back 40 lakh people, who migrated from here, to come back."
She also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister, and you must leave the seat."

Voting has been delayed at a polling station in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after a technical snag was reported during the early hours of polling. 

The issue occurred at Booth 295 in Duvipuram, located in Thoothukudi district, where a malfunction in the control unit of the electronic voting machine disrupted the process.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

Click here to read more

Ahead of the voting for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 on Thursday, mock polling was held at the Chennai High School.

In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 began at 7:00 am in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1), and will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

Voting for single-phase Tamil Nadu elections and the first phase of West Bengal elections begins.

All 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of the total 294 constituencies in West Bengal are going to the polls today.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the Chief Minister's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

Voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, significantly ahead of Tamil Nadu, which also posted a strong 82.24%, according to the Election Commission.
The late afternoon figures highlight an intense wave of voter participation across both states, as polling hours drew to a close.

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalised during the first phase of voting in West Bengal's Asansol on Thursday. The incident took place in the Rahamatnagar area.
Paul said the rear portion of her car was severely damaged after a large stone was allegedly hurled at it while she was seated inside.

"As I sat in the car, someone broke the glass of the car with a big stone... This has been happening repeatedly. Who will commit such an incident in a minority area?" she asked.

Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent by 3:00 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, while Chennai reported a slightly lower polling figure of 68.13 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed full confidence of the BJP victory in West Bengal assembly polls and launched a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress, saying "May 4 is the expiry date of TMC's syndicate and this reign of jungle law".

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said there will be accountability for all wrongdoings after the results of the assembly polls are declared on May 4.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday responded to the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a notice to him over 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that "our people will reply to it".

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “Notice aane do. (Let the notice come). We will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it.”

Voter turnout in Bengal crosses 78% till 3p.m

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar amid the first phase of the voting on Thursday, PM Modi said, “Jhalmuri maine khayi, lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai. [I ate the jhal muri, but the spice hit TMC]”. He added that people have so much anger for TMC and its party leaders that in some states, they will not get a single seat.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate was chased in South Dinajpur. He was allegedly manhandled by TMC workers even as a security person tried to protect him.

Ink was smeared over BJP's lotus symbol on the EVM at a booth of Raghunathpur constituency. The ink hid the symbol, claimed Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan. West Bengal Sector CRPF later said on X that the ink was cleared and voting was going on peacefully.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses poll rally for second phase in West Bengal. He said, "The same voice is echoing from all sides... Everyone is saying, 'Paltano Dorkar' (change is necessary)... A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal... Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere."

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday remembered his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, amid bye-elections in the Baramati Assembly constituency. The Baramati seat fell vacant after Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28. His wife and Maharashtra Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths. The BJP leader said, "I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them)."

Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaks to an election official on the phone, urging the official to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, complain of EVM malfunction amid voting in the first phase of West Bengal elections

TMC block president of Nowda, Sofiuzzaman Saikh, says, "Humayun Kabir is trying to make a mess. On the day of the elections, he came with 15 cars with anti-social criminals and FIR-registered criminals. He came here to snatch out our polling station agents. Humayun is creating a lot of hooliganism here.

Congress's Suri candidate Sanjoy Adhikari alleged he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch. "We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told the PTI news agency.

Tamil Nadu registers 37.56 percent voting by 11 am and West Bengal voting percentage is 41.11 per cent

A clash broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad during polling as TMC workers raised slogans and clashed with police following the arrival of AUJP chief Humayun Kabir.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation, with police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Officials, however, said the situation was under control. ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere.” Kabir appealed for calm, urging supporters to ensure peaceful voting.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin cast his vote on Thursday at a polling station located in West Mambalam Sitaraman Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai as polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway.
He was accompanied by his wife, Prithi Narayanan. Ashwin waited for his turn in the line, showed his inked finger after casting the vote, before clicking selfies with the fans.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Ashwin said, "This is a very important election in Tamil Nadu. Just wanted to come and exercise my right. I have done my job, and now, everybody has to do theirs. Hopefully, whoever comes to power will change the face of Tamil Nadu."

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “transport paralysis” across Tamil Nadu on polling day and urging immediate intervention to ensure voters are not disenfranchised.

In his letter, Vijay claimed thousands of voters were stranded at major bus terminals such as Koyambedu, Kilambakkam and Madhavaram due to buses being diverted for poll duty without alternative arrangements. He called it an “assault on the fundamental right to vote.”

He urged the Election Commission to deploy additional public transport and run special shuttle services to polling booths, along with coordinated announcements to assist stranded voters. Vijay also flagged long queues and delays at polling stations, calling for supervisory officers to ensure smoother voting. He further demanded that polling hours be extended till 8 pm to accommodate affected voters.

Tension flared in Nowda, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, during polling on Thursday (Apr 23) after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown near a voting area, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred in the middle of voting hours, triggering panic among voters and residents in the locality. Eyewitness accounts suggested a sudden blast disrupted the otherwise steady polling process, with people scrambling to move to safety.

All you need to know HERE

Voting in West Bengal’s Assembly elections saw disruption at a polling booth in Malda on Thursday after a reported malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), with officials confirming that the sector officer assigned to the area could not be located during the incident.

The disruption was reported at a booth set up inside Balua Chara High School in the Mothabari constituency, part of the first phase of polling. Authorities said voting was halted briefly as officials worked to address the issue.

Voting picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the opening hours of the 2026 Assembly elections, with early turnout figures showing the following figures:

As of 9:00 am, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69 percent, while West Bengal, voting in Phase 1, reported a slightly higher 18.76 percent.

Polling began at 7:00 am in both states, and these numbers reflect participation in the first two hours of voting.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate from Royapuram constituency, D Jayakumar, cast his vote at a polling station in Mylapore on Thursday during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.
After exercising his franchise, Jayakumar said that voting was a key democratic responsibility and described the election as a crucial one for the state's future.
"We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and 'ganja' culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar told reporters.

BJP candidate from Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, cast her vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the party's performance.
She said, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP... They are determined to remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters."
Describing the election as a crucial political battle, she said, "This is a war to save Bengal. We don't want the politics of Hindu-Muslim. We want employment for the youth and bringing back 40 lakh people, who migrated from here, to come back."
She also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister, and you must leave the seat."

Voting has been delayed at a polling station in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after a technical snag was reported during the early hours of polling. 

The issue occurred at Booth 295 in Duvipuram, located in Thoothukudi district, where a malfunction in the control unit of the electronic voting machine disrupted the process.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

Click here to read more

Ahead of the voting for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 on Thursday, mock polling was held at the Chennai High School.

In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 began at 7:00 am in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1), and will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

Voting for single-phase Tamil Nadu elections and the first phase of West Bengal elections begins.

All 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of the total 294 constituencies in West Bengal are going to the polls today.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the Chief Minister's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

Voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, significantly ahead of Tamil Nadu, which also posted a strong 82.24%, according to the Election Commission.
The late afternoon figures highlight an intense wave of voter participation across both states, as polling hours drew to a close.

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalised during the first phase of voting in West Bengal's Asansol on Thursday. The incident took place in the Rahamatnagar area.
Paul said the rear portion of her car was severely damaged after a large stone was allegedly hurled at it while she was seated inside.

"As I sat in the car, someone broke the glass of the car with a big stone... This has been happening repeatedly. Who will commit such an incident in a minority area?" she asked.

Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent by 3:00 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, while Chennai reported a slightly lower polling figure of 68.13 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed full confidence of the BJP victory in West Bengal assembly polls and launched a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress, saying "May 4 is the expiry date of TMC's syndicate and this reign of jungle law".

Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said there will be accountability for all wrongdoings after the results of the assembly polls are declared on May 4.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday responded to the Election Commission of India (ECI) issuing a notice to him over 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that "our people will reply to it".

Speaking to reporters, Kharge said, “Notice aane do. (Let the notice come). We will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it.”

Voter turnout in Bengal crosses 78% till 3p.m

Addressing a public meeting in West Bengal’s Krishnanagar amid the first phase of the voting on Thursday, PM Modi said, “Jhalmuri maine khayi, lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai. [I ate the jhal muri, but the spice hit TMC]”. He added that people have so much anger for TMC and its party leaders that in some states, they will not get a single seat.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate was chased in South Dinajpur. He was allegedly manhandled by TMC workers even as a security person tried to protect him.

Ink was smeared over BJP's lotus symbol on the EVM at a booth of Raghunathpur constituency. The ink hid the symbol, claimed Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan. West Bengal Sector CRPF later said on X that the ink was cleared and voting was going on peacefully.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses poll rally for second phase in West Bengal. He said, "The same voice is echoing from all sides... Everyone is saying, 'Paltano Dorkar' (change is necessary)... A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal... Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere."

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday remembered his uncle and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, late Ajit Pawar, amid bye-elections in the Baramati Assembly constituency. The Baramati seat fell vacant after Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28. His wife and Maharashtra Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting on an NCP ticket.

Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths. The BJP leader said, "I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them)."

Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, speaks to an election official on the phone, urging the official to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, complain of EVM malfunction amid voting in the first phase of West Bengal elections

TMC block president of Nowda, Sofiuzzaman Saikh, says, "Humayun Kabir is trying to make a mess. On the day of the elections, he came with 15 cars with anti-social criminals and FIR-registered criminals. He came here to snatch out our polling station agents. Humayun is creating a lot of hooliganism here.

Congress's Suri candidate Sanjoy Adhikari alleged he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch. "We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told the PTI news agency.

Tamil Nadu registers 37.56 percent voting by 11 am and West Bengal voting percentage is 41.11 per cent

A clash broke out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad during polling as TMC workers raised slogans and clashed with police following the arrival of AUJP chief Humayun Kabir.

Security forces were deployed to control the situation, with police resorting to mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Officials, however, said the situation was under control. ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere.” Kabir appealed for calm, urging supporters to ensure peaceful voting.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin cast his vote on Thursday at a polling station located in West Mambalam Sitaraman Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai as polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway.
He was accompanied by his wife, Prithi Narayanan. Ashwin waited for his turn in the line, showed his inked finger after casting the vote, before clicking selfies with the fans.
Speaking to ANI after casting his vote, Ashwin said, "This is a very important election in Tamil Nadu. Just wanted to come and exercise my right. I have done my job, and now, everybody has to do theirs. Hopefully, whoever comes to power will change the face of Tamil Nadu."

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging “transport paralysis” across Tamil Nadu on polling day and urging immediate intervention to ensure voters are not disenfranchised.

In his letter, Vijay claimed thousands of voters were stranded at major bus terminals such as Koyambedu, Kilambakkam and Madhavaram due to buses being diverted for poll duty without alternative arrangements. He called it an “assault on the fundamental right to vote.”

He urged the Election Commission to deploy additional public transport and run special shuttle services to polling booths, along with coordinated announcements to assist stranded voters. Vijay also flagged long queues and delays at polling stations, calling for supervisory officers to ensure smoother voting. He further demanded that polling hours be extended till 8 pm to accommodate affected voters.

Tension flared in Nowda, in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, during polling on Thursday (Apr 23) after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown near a voting area, leaving several people injured. The incident occurred in the middle of voting hours, triggering panic among voters and residents in the locality. Eyewitness accounts suggested a sudden blast disrupted the otherwise steady polling process, with people scrambling to move to safety.

All you need to know HERE

Voting in West Bengal’s Assembly elections saw disruption at a polling booth in Malda on Thursday after a reported malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), with officials confirming that the sector officer assigned to the area could not be located during the incident.

The disruption was reported at a booth set up inside Balua Chara High School in the Mothabari constituency, part of the first phase of polling. Authorities said voting was halted briefly as officials worked to address the issue.

Voting picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the opening hours of the 2026 Assembly elections, with early turnout figures showing the following figures:

As of 9:00 am, Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 17.69 percent, while West Bengal, voting in Phase 1, reported a slightly higher 18.76 percent.

Polling began at 7:00 am in both states, and these numbers reflect participation in the first two hours of voting.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate from Royapuram constituency, D Jayakumar, cast his vote at a polling station in Mylapore on Thursday during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026.
After exercising his franchise, Jayakumar said that voting was a key democratic responsibility and described the election as a crucial one for the state's future.
"We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and 'ganja' culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu," Jayakumar told reporters.

BJP candidate from Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul, cast her vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the party's performance.
She said, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP... They are determined to remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters."
Describing the election as a crucial political battle, she said, "This is a war to save Bengal. We don't want the politics of Hindu-Muslim. We want employment for the youth and bringing back 40 lakh people, who migrated from here, to come back."
She also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, "You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister, and you must leave the seat."

Voting has been delayed at a polling station in Tamil Nadu on Thursday after a technical snag was reported during the early hours of polling. 

The issue occurred at Booth 295 in Duvipuram, located in Thoothukudi district, where a malfunction in the control unit of the electronic voting machine disrupted the process.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

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Ahead of the voting for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 on Thursday, mock polling was held at the Chennai High School.

In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 began at 7:00 am in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1), and will conclude at 6:00 pm today in both states.

Voting for single-phase Tamil Nadu elections and the first phase of West Bengal elections begins.

All 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 of the total 294 constituencies in West Bengal are going to the polls today.