Millions cast votes across two states as India’s high-stakes assembly elections unfold on a single day
Tamil Nadu 56.81% By 1:00 PM IST
West Bengal (Phase 1) 62.18% By 1:00 PM IST
In a significant show of democratic participation, voters across Tamil Nadu and West Bengal turned out in large numbers on Thursday for the 2026 Assembly Elections. By 1 PM, West Bengal’s Phase 1 recorded a robust 62.18% turnout, while Tamil Nadu logged 56.81%, according to the Election Commission of India.
Tamil Nadu is conducting elections for all 234 Assembly constituencies in a single phase. The state’s electorate of over 5.73 crore voters is choosing among 4,023 candidates, with the contest primarily a three-way fight between the DMK-led Secular Democratic Alliance, the AIADMK-led NDA, and the debutant Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.
In West Bengal, the first phase covers 152 of 294 constituencies. The TMC, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, faces a strong electoral challenge from the BJP. Tight security and central force deployment marked the day, even as sporadic incidents were reported in Murshidabad district.
“Over 2.4 lakh central forces are deployed, and the administration is no longer under Mamata Banerjee’s control,” alleged a former TMC leader, reflecting the charged political atmosphere in Bengal.
District-wise voter turnout — Tamil Nadu (as of 11 AM)
| District | Turnout (%) |
|---|---|
| Tiruppur | 42.45% |
| Namakkal | 41.41% |
| Erode | 41.00% |
| Coimbatore | 38.62% |
| Tiruchirappalli | 38.08% |
| Chennai | 35.47% |
| Nilgiris (lowest) | 32.62% |
District-wise voter turnout — West Bengal Phase 1 (as of 11 AM)
| District | Turnout (%) |
|---|---|
| Paschim Medinipur | 44.69% |
| Jhargram | 43.71% |
| Bankura | 43.22% |
| Purba Medinipur | 42.16% |
| Malda (lowest) | 38.22% |
Notable incidents included EVM malfunctions at booths in Murshidabad’s Raghunathganj and Tamil Nadu’s Duvipuram in Thoothukudi, causing delays. Polling is scheduled to conclude at 6:00 PM today. The remaining 142 seats in West Bengal will go to polls on April 29. Vote counting for both states is set for May 4.
Several prominent figures cast their votes early, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, superstar Rajinikanth, and TVK chief Vijay — all drawing large crowds at polling stations across Chennai.
