New Delhi: Voting for the 2026 Assembly elections commenced on Thursday in two major states- West Bengal and Tamil Nadu marking a crucial phase in India’s democratic process. Polling began at 7 am and is scheduled to continue until 6 pm across designated constituencies.
In West Bengal, the first phase of elections is being held across 152 constituencies spread over 16 districts. According to NDTV, nearly 3.6 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this phase, which includes politically significant regions such as Nandigram, Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Cooch Behar.
The election is seen as a key contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with both parties aiming to gain an early advantage in the multi-phase electoral battle. The outcome of this phase is expected to set the tone for the remaining stages of the election.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu is witnessing polling across all 234 assembly constituencies in a single phase. The state is experiencing a competitive political scenario, with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance facing opposition from the AIADMK-BJP alliance, alongside other emerging players.
Authorities have implemented extensive security arrangements to ensure a smooth and fair voting process in both states. The Election Commission of India has deployed personnel and monitoring systems to prevent disruptions and maintain order at polling stations.
The elections in these states are being closely watched, as they are expected to influence regional political dynamics and reflect voter sentiment. The counting of votes for both states is scheduled for May 4, when results will be announced.
