Assembly Election 2026 Highlights: Women outvote men as Tamil Nadu, Bengal record historic turnout since 1947

DMK spokesperson Saravana Annadurai on Thursday commented on voter turnout trends in Tamil Nadu, linking the rise in percentage to changes in the size of the electorate following the SIR exercise.

"The percentage is higher because the denominator has come down. This is elementary mathematics. You have brought the number of voters down by introducing SIR. That is bound to happen. That is not something unprecedented, nor is this something which is out of the way, as some claim. Whoever tracks numbers, especially with regard to an election, they are very clear that this is a normal thing," he said. 

Trinamool Congress MP Arup Chakraborty on Thursday expressed confidence that the party would secure a strong mandate in the West Bengal Assembly elections, claiming widespread public support for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

"People voted happily, and support is expected to go to Mamata Ji. BJP claims they will win 152 seats, but many promises, like jobs and Rs 15 lakh, were never fulfilled, so votes will not go to them. Our party says we will win more than 200 seats in Bengal," Chakraborty said. 

Bypoll voting in Maharashtra's Baramati Assembly constituency, where Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is in the fray, recorded a turnout of 58.27 per cent till 6 pm on Thursday, election officials said. In the Rahuri Assembly constituency, which also went to polls in the bypolls, voter turnout was estimated at 56.20 per cent by the same time.

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday predicted a strong performance for the party in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, claiming the BJP could win 125 of the 152 seats that went to polls. 

Citing a high voter turnout of 91.91 per cent, Adhikari said the numbers reflected strong public support for the saffron party in the constituencies that went to vote in the first phase.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Thursday targeted the Congress, alleging that the party was making excuses ahead of and after elections instead of accepting verdicts.

"Today, when every state is witnessing significant voting, Congress and Kapil Sibal are making excuses... They made excuses after the elections in Maharashtra and Haryana, and today, before the elections, these people are making excuses. They know what is going to happen. When elections are held in Karnataka and Telangana, they are fair, but when these people lose the elections in Maharashtra, Haryana and Delhi, they raise questions," he said while speaking to news agency ANI. 

Trinamool Congress candidate Gautam Deb from the Siliguri Assembly constituency on Thursday alleged that the Election Commission was working in tandem with the BJP and accused the poll body of enabling voter disenfranchisement.

"The Election Commission has a conspiracy with the BJP. A good number of voters have been sent to other districts. They are mostly central government employees, and they are deprived of their voting rights... I made a complaint to the election authorities, and the BJP tried to disturb the election with the support of the central paramilitary force... I am very much overwhelmed by the active and spontaneous support of Siliguri people," he said. 

Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Thursday alleged that voting was moving at an unusually slow pace in some polling booths in his Baharampur constituency in Murshidabad district, even as large parts of West Bengal saw high turnout in the first phase of the Assembly elections.

"People are not able to cast their votes. They have been standing in queues for three to four hours and are facing problems in this unbearable heat. The queues are getting longer by the hour, and around 400 to 500 people are waiting. At a time when most booths have registered 80 to 90 per cent polling, I can't find a plausible reason for this slowdown in some polling stations here," the Baharampur candidate said during the closing hours of polling.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar on Thursday said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was likely to benefit from the prevailing political atmosphere in the state, which he described as a battle between the Centre and West Bengal.

"The Prime Minister and Home Minister always make tall claims and play the numbers game. But the reality is that in West Bengal today, people feel that Narendra Modi and his government are putting their full strength into trying to capture the state. This has turned into a battle of West Bengal versus the Centre, and therefore we believe that the advantage will go to Mamata Banerjee," Anwar said. 

Tamil Nadu and West Bengal recorded their highest-ever voter turnout since Independence, with Tamil Nadu polling 84.69 per cent and West Bengal registering 91.78 per cent in Phase I. Previously, the highest turnout stood at 78.29 per cent in Tamil Nadu (2011) and 84.72 per cent in West Bengal (2011).

Officials also noted that in both states, women’s voter participation exceeded that of men. 

Reacting to the reported 91.91 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on Thursday, Union Minister Giriraj Singh said the vote reflected a public mandate for change. "Voting has taken place in Bengal for change. The rule of goons has now come to an end; now, the rule of Ram will come," he said. 

Chief Election Commissioner of India Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday said West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have recorded their highest-ever voter turnout since Independence. Calling it a significant moment for Indian democracy, he, "Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu since Independence - ECI salutes each voter of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu".

The Election Commission on Thursday suspended all polling staff deployed at a booth in the Pingla Assembly segment of West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district after they allegedly abandoned the polling station during voting hours, an official said.

The poll panel has also ordered a probe into the incident and asked the District Election Officer to submit a detailed report.

Voter participation surged in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal as polling progressed on Thursday, with turnout figures rising sharply by the evening. According to the Election Commission data, Tamil Nadu recorded 84.29 per cent voter turnout till 7 pm. West Bengal saw even higher participation, with turnout reaching 91.35 per cent by the same time.

Polling concluded on Thursday in 152 Assembly constituencies of West Bengal in the first phase and across all 234 seats in Tamil Nadu, where voting ended at 6 pm. Officials said those present in queues at polling stations before the close were allowed to cast their ballots.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Thursday alleged that his party's polling agents were attacked by the goons of Trinamool Congress in West Bengal during the ongoing Assembly elections.

Speaking from the Berhampore Assembly constituency, where he is contesting, Chowdhury said, "Our polling agents have been attacked by some goons here. These goons are from the government".

In the midst of the West Bengal Assembly elections, a now-viral X post by a “non-resident Bengali” has triggered a heated debate over the state’s economic condition, job opportunities and political foresight. Read here.

Violence was reported from West Bengal's Birbhum district on Thursday as people allegedly threw stones at personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) during the first phase of Assembly elections. The incident occurred in Khairasol Ghumar village under the Dubrajpur Assembly constituency, where CRPF personnel had been deployed for poll duty.

A voter from the Mylapore Assembly constituency on Thursday alleged that her name was removed from the electoral rolls despite completing all required formalities during the SIR revision exercise.

Speaking to news agency PTI, Krithika Swamy said she had verified her inclusion in the draft roll after submitting the necessary forms along with her parents. However, when she reached the polling station to vote in the Assembly elections, she found her name missing from the final list, even as her parents' names remained on the rolls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a roadshow in Howrah as part of the BJP's campaign for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The roadshow drew crowds along the route, with party supporters gathering to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister as he passed through key stretches of the city.

Tamil Nadu's single-phase Assembly election recorded a voter turnout of over 82 per cent by 5 pm on Thursday, indicating strong participation across the state. According to Election Commission data, several constituencies had already crossed the 90 per cent mark by the evening, reflecting particularly high engagement in select pockets.

Polling in the ongoing state Assembly by-elections gathered pace through the day, with turnout crossing the halfway mark in all three constituencies by 5 pm. According to the latest figures, Umreth in Gujarat recorded the highest turnout at 54.43 per cent. In Maharashtra, Rahuri saw 50.68 per cent polling, while Baramati registered a 52.44 per cent turnout by the same time.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday claimed that voter turnout in the first phase of Assembly elections pointed to a clear advantage for the Trinamool Congress. Addressing a rally in Kolkata, Banerjee said, "Voter turnout so far in the first phase of Bengal polls indicates that the TMC is already in position to win".

Voter participation surged in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal as polling progressed on Thursday, with turnout figures rising sharply by the evening.

According to provisional data, Tamil Nadu recorded 82.24 per cent voter turnout till 5 pm. West Bengal saw even higher participation, with turnout reaching 89.93 per cent by the same time.

Singer Arijit Singh on Thursday arrived at a polling station in Jiyaganj, Murshidabad, to cast his vote during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections. Polling is underway across several constituencies in West Bengal, with security arrangements in place to ensure a smooth voting process.

Singer Latha Rajinikanth, wife of superstar Rajinikanth, on Thursday cast her vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and urged citizens to participate in the democratic process. Speaking to news agency ANI after voting, she said exercising the right to vote is a "constitutional duty" of every citizen, encouraging people to step out and take part in the electoral process.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his presence in the state on polling day, alleging it was aimed at intimidating officials and influencing the electoral process.

Addressing reporters, Banerjee claimed that Shah was "sitting in Kolkata to intimidate officials" and accused him of using central agencies for political purposes. She alleged that the BJP, lacking booth-level presence, was attempting to pressure officials. "Since the BJP doesn't have booth agents, he has come to intimidate officials of agencies who are working for BJP," she said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that "not a single intruder" would be allowed to enter West Bengal if the BJP comes to power, asserting that illegal immigrants already residing in the state would be "selectively rooted out".

"On April 29 (the second phase of polling), you have to press the button against the lotus symbol. It is just to make someone an MLA or to form a BJP government. It is to free the land of Bengal from infiltrators," he said while speaking at a rally in Balagarh in Hooghly district. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress during a rally in Mathurapur, declaring that "May 4 is the expiry date" for what he described as the party's 'syndicate' system and "maha jungle raaj" in West Bengal.

"4 May is the expiry date for the TMC syndicate and maha jungle raaj. After 4 May, this loot will be accounted for. 'Katmanir khela cholbe na' (no more cut money games)," the Prime Minister said.

Security personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force on Thursday dispersed a crowd gathered near a polling station in Siliguri during voting in West Bengal. Officials said the personnel used mild force to clear the gathering and restore order in the area. The incident occurred in the Dangipara locality, where a group had assembled close to the polling booth.

Actor Vishal Krishna Reddy on Thursday cast his vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and urged citizens, especially first-time voters, to participate in the democratic process.

West Bengal recorded a strong voter turnout of 78.77 per cent till 3 pm in the first phase of Assembly elections, according to the Election Commission. Among the districts, Dakshin Dinajpur registered the highest participation, with polling reaching 81.49 per cent by the afternoon.

Voting at a polling booth in Avadi in Chennai was delayed by more than an hour on Thursday due to a malfunction in the electronic voting machine (EVM), officials said. The disruption briefly halted polling in the area during the ongoing Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, leading to queues outside the booth as voters waited for the issue to be resolved.

Polling in the ongoing state Assembly by-elections recorded moderate voter participation across constituencies as of 3 pm on Thursday. According to provisional figures, Umreth in Gujarat reported the highest turnout at 46.66 per cent. In Maharashtra, Rahuri saw a turnout of 39.60 per cent, while Baramati recorded 40.36 per cent by the same time.

In a fresh flashpoint during first phase polling in West Bengal, the BJP on Thursday alleged that its candidate's election agent was attacked in Birbhum district, terming the area 'sensitive' and demanding immediate action against local officials.

"Labpur is a sensitive area. An incident happened there today. Our candidate, Debasis Ojha's election agent, Biswajit Mandal, who is also the district vice-president, was attacked... The attack happened in the Bhromorkole area under the Sainthia block, under the leadership of the block president Tahir Ul Islam... We demand that the BDO and OC be immediately suspended as per ECI guidelines... We believe that the Sainthia PS OC, Nilotpal Misra, is in cahoots with the TMC," BJP Birbhum District President Uday Shankar Banerjee said. 

Polling picked up pace in both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal on Thursday, with voter turnout figures remaining high through the afternoon.

According to provisional data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), Tamil Nadu recorded 70 per cent voter turnout as of 3 pm. In West Bengal, Phase 1 of polling saw a higher participation rate, with turnout reaching 78.77 per cent by the same time.

In a glimpse of voter participation during the first phase of West Bengal Assembly elections, Surinder Singh, father of singer Arijit Singh, arrived at a polling booth in Murshidabad to cast his vote.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal of obstructing central initiatives and failing to deliver relief benefits to the public, as the state undergoes the first phase of voting. 

"The TMC government neither works itself nor allows the Centre’s work to proceed smoothly. The Centre had sent thousands of crores for flood and cyclone relief, but people did not receive the benefits. Even central funds are not reaching the public. This situation will change only when Bengal has a BJP Chief Minister. You have already made a BJP Prime Minister. When both PM and CM are aligned, development will happen day and night," PM Modi said. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sharpened his attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress amid the West Bengal polls, contrasting the Centre's record with what he described as the state's prolonged stint under successive regimes.

"Bengal endured three decades of Left rule, after which people gave TMC a chance, not once, but three times over 15 years. On one hand, there are 11 years of BJP’s governance at the Centre; on the other, 15 years of TMC in Bengal. In 11 years, we have provided electricity to every village, built houses for 4 crore poor under PM Awas Yojana, ensured free treatment through Ayushman cards for crores, connected around 10 crore farmers with PM-Kisan, and helped 25 crore people come out of poverty," PM Modi said. 

PM Modi asks BJP candidates to stand on stage during an address in Bengal's Mathurapur. "Before I begin my speech, I request all of the candidates we have in this election, who you are about to elect as your MLAs, to please come forward. I will go over to them for a moment, and then I will return to speak with you at length."

Amit Shah, after spending nearly three hours reviewing the election situation, has left the BJP headquarters in Salt Lake, Kolkata. He discussed the party's strategy before the next week's second phase of West Bengal elections. The state will vote for 142 remaining seats in the second phase on April 29.

During routine surveillance in West Bengal Elections 2026, Kolkata Police reported that an SST team intercepted a bike cab rider at Strand Road and Hare Street crossing under Hare Street PS. Authorities detected Rs 24 lakh in unaccounted cash. The money was seized as per standard operating procedures, and further investigation and necessary legal action have been initiated by the concerned officials.

In Vellore, during the Tamil Nadu Elections 2026, a robot was deployed at a polling booth in Government Muslim Higher Secondary School to greet voters and draw public interest. Dressed in traditional Tamil attire, it welcomes citizens as they arrive to cast their votes, adding a unique technological and cultural touch to the electoral experience.

Too machh concern or mockery? What Bengalis think of BJP's fish campaign. Read here

BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul from Asansol South alleged that her car window was broken with a stone while she was inside, calling it a repeated incident during campaigning. She questioned the motive behind such acts and claimed growing support for BJP among minority voters. Paul said she has informed the police about the incident but has not yet filed a formal written complaint regarding the matter.

During the West Bengal Elections 2026, singer Arijit Singh’s father, Surinder Singh, arrived at a polling booth in Murshidabad to exercise his democratic right. His presence reflected active participation by citizens in the ongoing state assembly elections.

The car of BJP candidate from West Bengal's Asansol was vandalised, the state MLA alleged. The Asansol Assembly constituency is going to polls in the first phase of Bengal polls.

-Anil Giri input

BJP's Saumitra Khan alleged that at Booth 171 in Assembly 246-Raghunathpur, ink has been smeared over the Lotus symbol on an EVM, making it difficult for voters to identify. He has urged immediate cleaning or replacement of the machine to ensure fair polling and transparency in the electoral process. Election authorities are expected to verify the claim soon.

In Tamil Nadu's Namakkal, a 110-year-old woman cast her vote during the state assembly elections. Despite her age, she turned up with enthusiasm, reflecting a strong civic spirit and commitment to democratic participation.

-PTI

PM Narendra Modi said the high voter turnout in the first phase of West Bengal elections reflects a strong public mandate for change. He congratulated voters for their participation and expressed confidence that the figures indicate a landslide victory for the BJP in the state assembly polls. During the first phase of polling in 152 seats of West Bengal, over 62 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 1 pm.

-PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while campaigning in West Bengal's Nadia on Thursday, accused the TMC of fostering "jungle raj" in West Bengal, citing crimes against women and criticising its stand on women’s reservation in Parliament. He said the BJP alone can ensure empowerment and security for Bengal’s women. Reaffirming support for Matua, Namashudra and refugee communities, he promised fast-tracked citizenship under the CAA if BJP comes to power. Modi also alleged TMC involvement in illegal infiltration and fake documents, calling for stronger border security. He urged unity of police, forces and citizens for a safer Bengal and a new security era after May 4.

During a rally in Nadia's Krishnanagar, PM Modi unveiled "10 guarantees" for women in Bengal, focusing on safety, empowerment and welfare. He promised strict punishment for crimes against women, women’s police stations and special squads, along with recruitment of women in police. Benefits include direct cash transfers, education aid, maternity support, nutrition assistance, Mudra loans, healthcare coverage under Ayushman Bharat, and free health screenings. He also assured housing ownership rights and financial support for construction under PM Awas Yojana.

Sabina Yasmin, TMC candidate from Sujapur in West Bengal's Malda, has alleged Central Forces are disrupting polling at several booths by checking voter ID cards, which she claims is slowing the voting process. She said long queues in the sun are being created deliberately to discourage voters from staying and alleged intent to reduce turnout, adding a formal complaint will be filed.

-ANI

Data of voter turnout of three Assembly seats going for bypolls in Gujarat and Maharashtra show varying voter turnout across constituencies. Gujarat’s Umreth recorded 37.14% polling, the highest among the listed seats. In Maharashtra, Baramati saw 31.91% turnout, while Rahuri reported 29.67%. The data reflect relatively moderate to low participation levels during the early hours of voting, indicating uneven voter engagement across regions as polling continued through the day, with ongoing updates expected.

West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 62.18%, indicating strong electoral participation across constituencies till a pm. Tamil Nadu also saw steady voting with a 56.81% turnout during the same period. Both states reported significant public engagement as polling continued through the day with active participation from voters across regions.

Raju Bista, BJP MP from Siliguri-Darjeeling, said the region has long supported PM Modi and expressed confidence that BJP will form government in West Bengal in 2026, suggesting a Hindu chief minister. Referring to the attack on BJP candidate Subhendu Sarkar, he accused TMC-linked elements of violence and raised concerns over border security and infiltration, urging voters to choose change today.

-ANI

Filmmaker and politician T Rajendar urged young voters in Tamil Nadu to turn out in large numbers during the elections. He also raised concerns about long queues at polling stations, noting that people below 70 years old, though elderly, are not treated as senior citizens and often face difficulties while waiting to vote.

-PTI

In Chennai’s Alwarpet area, 85-year-old Chandharan arrived at St Francis Xavier’s Middle School on a wheelchair to cast his vote in the Tamil Nadu elections. Despite his age and mobility challenges, he made it a point to participate in the democratic process, reflecting a strong sense of civic duty and inspiring others with his determination to exercise his franchise.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Krishnanagar in West Bengal's Nadia, claimed there is strong public anger against Trinamool MLAs, ministers, local leaders and alleged syndicates, suggesting the party would struggle in many cities. He compared it to the earlier movement against the Left 15 years ago, saying Bengal now rejects TMC’s 'Jungle Raj'. He added that this election is being driven by the people of Bengal themselves asserted further.

TMC candidate Chandan Mondal faced protests at Booth 234 in Goramahal during West Bengal polls. Allegations of sloganeering and interference were reported, but the situation was brought under control by central forces, allowing voting to continue peacefully.

-PTI

DMK leader TKS Elangovan said officials are closely monitoring polling in Tamil Nadu. He stated voters must carry ID, documents, and booth slips, or they cannot vote. He alleged opposition is creating confusion due to likely defeat. Elangovan added that multiple agents at each booth are ensuring only genuine voters participate and that any attempt at bogus voting is being effectively prevented during the election process.

In Murshidabad’s Khowar School, Gorabazar booth 141, voters complained of repeated EVM malfunctions during West Bengal’s first-phase polling. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury called an election official, urging immediate intervention, saying voters were forced to return home after waiting in the sun. He claimed the EVM was replaced four times but still failed, and the presiding officer was helpless, demanding urgent resolution to ensure smooth voting.

-ANI

In a rally in West Bengal's Nadia, PM Modi said that in past elections, "wherever the country has witnessed a massive voter turnout, the BJP has achieved a resounding victory". He predicted BJP celebrations on May 4 in Bengal with sweets and "Jhal Muri". He added humorously, "Jhal Muri maine khaayi lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai," suggesting political impact on the opposition amid rising voter enthusiasm.

BJP candidate Subhendu Sarkar alleged that polling agents were forcibly removed from 8 to 10 booths in Kumarganj. He said he intervened to restore them and was later attacked at Booth No. 24 while inspecting the situation. He claimed central forces were present, blamed the TMC, and alleged desperation amid electoral loss fears.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a huge rally in Krishnanagar, while voting went on for the first phase of West Bengal elections, urging a record turnout and greeting voters. He said violence has been minimal in this election and praised the region’s cultural strength. Modi predicted BJP success, stating high turnout often leads to victory, and claimed widespread anger against the Trinamool Congress. He also said citizens across professions are voting for fear-free governance and change, asserting growing support across Bengal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Vijay Sankalp Sabha in Krishnanagar, West Bengal, amid ongoing first-phase voting in the state. He greeted voters and urged them to create a new turnout record. Modi also remarked that this election has seen relatively minimal violence, compared to previous decades since he entered politics.

A 55-year-old woman, Ishratan Bibi, died after casting her vote in Keshpur assembly constituency’s Digha area in Paschim Medinipur. Her husband, Nawabjan Ali, said four family members, including himself, were missing from the voter list, leaving only his wife eligible to vote. He took her to the booth, waited outside, and she died after exiting and boarding a toto. The family alleges shock led to a sudden collapse. Shortly thereafter, the incident occurred.

-Sheikh Shahjahan input

BJP candidate for Kumarganj Assembly constituency, Suvendu Sarkar, was reportedly thrashed after he rushed to a polling booth alleging booth jamming. He accused Trinamool Congress supporters of attacking him. He was also seen chasing a person, claiming obstruction of his polling agent’s entry into the booth during the voting process.

-Indrajit Kundu input

A voter alleged in West Bengal's Siliguri that her vote had already been cast, ANI reported. Her father, Gopal Das, said he voted normally, but was later informed that someone had voted in his daughter’s name. He added that officials directed them to contact the DLO, who denied responsibility.

In a unique post-wedding moment, groom Ravi Rahul cast his vote along with his bride immediately after their marriage ceremony in Tamil Nadu's Kanchipuram. He said voting is a duty and everyone must fulfil it, calling voting on wedding day an unforgettable experience and a memorable democratic responsibility for all citizens today.

A fresh round of clashes broke out in Murshidabad between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) workers, escalating into stone pelting during the first phase of West Bengal elections on Thursday. Central forces intervened to control the situation and resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the groups. Tension prevailed in the area as polling-related violence briefly disrupted the election process in the constituency today.

-Agencies

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar cast his vote in West Bengal's Balurghat, praising peaceful voting and urging higher vigilance by the Election Commission, especially in Murshidabad, while predicting a large win for Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram. In Bankura, MP Saumitra Khan alleged violence linked to the TMC and claimed strong voter support for BJP. Candidate Dibyendu Adhikari in Egra stressed concerns over election violence and urged voters to report disruptions, while expressing satisfaction with security deployment overall.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived at the BJP war room set up at the party office in Salt Lake, Kolkata and is expected to stay there for around one hour reviewing preparations today.

-Anupam Mishra

Violence and allegations have rocked Harishchandrapur in West Bengal's Malda district, where a Trinamool Congress camp office near Booth Nos. 200–201 in Bangrua was allegedly vandalised amid factional tensions. It is alleged that the supporters of minister Tajmul Hussain and Congress workers vandalised the office, while flags and banners were torn down. Swapan Ali claimed the minister-backed faction is campaigning for Congress and directed the attack. In contrast, Imran Ali and Congress workers denied the charges, blaming Swapan Ali and Morjina Khatun for instigating the violence and alleging police lathi-charge on villagers, including the arrest of a local resident. Tension remains high overall.

-Anupam Mishra input

During the first phase of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Election 2026, Congress candidate from Berhampore constituency Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury visited Lipika Memorial Girls School polling booth and cast his vote in Murshidabad. He said voting is progressing smoothly, central forces are performing well, and party polling agents are present inside booths, ensuring proper monitoring and peaceful conduct of the election process overall today.

-ANI

Aam Janata Unnayan Party founder Humayun Kabir staged a protest alleging police excesses and intimidation of his supporters. He demanded immediate intervention by the Election Commission and a change of officials. He demanded immediate intervention by the Election Commission and a change of officials.

He said, "We want action against the Nowda police officer who allegedly lathi-charged my supporters overnight. Such actions are unacceptable. The Election Commission must intervene and appoint a new officer. Until then, I will continue my protest. My supporters are being attacked and threatened, which should not happen. The Election Commission should also act against the TMC workers involved."

-ANI

Early voting trends from bye-elections across three Assembly constituencies in Gujarat and Maharashtra show moderate voter participation till 11 am. Gujarat’s Umreth seat recorded around 25.65% turnout. In Maharashtra, Baramati saw 20.55%, while Rahuri reported 18.22%. These provisional figures indicate a steady but cautious voter response in bypoll constituencies as polling continues through the day.

As of 11:00 am, early polling trends indicate varied voter turnout across Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. While Tamil Nadu recorded an approximate turnout of 37.56%, West Bengal saw a higher participation at 41.11% during the first phase of voting. The figures, marked as provisional, reflect initial voter engagement as polling continues through the day.

Following a crude bomb hurling incident in Murshidabad during the West Bengal Elections 2026, an eyewitness described rising fear among locals. The incident, which injured a woman, has left residents anxious about further violence, especially with political activity in the area. The eyewitness said, "We are very scared; another incident could happen at any moment."

-ANI

During voting for the West Bengal elections, the Leader of Opposition and BJP candidate from Nandigram and Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari, inspected vulnerable polling booths in Nandigram. His visit focused on assessing security arrangements and ensuring a smooth and fair voting process in identified sensitive areas.

-ANI

Jay Pawar said growing public demand in Baramati may see him contest the 2029 elections. Addressing the probe into Ajit Pawar’s accident, he urged patience, noting the report could take up to a year. He praised the CID’s work, confirmed regular contact with officials, and said the Chief Minister is attentive. Pawar stressed it’s too early to determine if it was an accident or conspiracy, urging people to await the final findings.

-Omkar Wable input

BJP’s Nainar Nagenthran said the NDA aims to restore Tamil Nadu and appealed to voters to support a better, drug-free future. He expressed optimism across constituencies. Meanwhile, former CM and DMK leader O Panneerselvam, contesting from Bodinayakkanur, noted strong public enthusiasm and voiced confidence that the DMK-led alliance will secure a sweeping victory in the elections.

-ANI

BJP candidate and Leader of Opposition in Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, alleged that murder accused Sheikh Shahuddin is intimidating voters during the West Bengal elections. He asserted that he remains unfazed, emphasising that his fight is not against any religion but against what he described as the "goons" of the Trinamool Congress.

-PTI

During the first phase of West Bengal polling, tensions erupted in Siliguri as workers of the Trinamool Congress and BJP clashed outside a polling booth. The confrontation occurred at Jagadish Chandra Vidyapith, Booth No. 26/237, amid ongoing voting. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel intervened promptly to disperse the crowd and restore order. BJP candidate Shankar Ghosh was present at the site during the incident, which briefly disrupted the polling atmosphere.

-ANI

BJP leader K. Annamalai alleged that the election process in Coimbatore South had been “vitiated,” while also questioning the Election Commission’s pre-poll preparedness. He said the party had raised its concerns both individually and as part of an alliance, leaving it to the poll body to take a call on the matter.

Despite the criticism, Annamalai said it remains the party’s duty to support the Election Commission and urged people to vote in large numbers. He added that voters have witnessed five years of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam governance and will take a call accordingly.

Actor Vikram Prabhu emphasised the importance of voting and political awareness among youngsters, saying it is every citizen’s responsibility to participate in elections. He expressed happiness that more young people are now discussing politics, calling it a crucial step towards shaping the country’s future.

During the voting for West Bengal elections, tensions escalated in Murshidabad as a scuffle broke out between TMC workers and Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir. The incident occurred while Kabir was visiting a locality where a crude bomb hurling was reported a day earlier. The confrontation highlights rising political friction and security concerns in the region during the ongoing electoral process.

BJP leader K. Annamalai expressed confidence that voters will make the right choice as polling concludes. He urged citizens to reflect on the past five years and vote for Tamil Nadu’s future. Acknowledging the heat, he noted Election Commission arrangements and appealed to all, especially the elderly, to participate.

Rajya Sabha MP Harsh V Shringla cast his vote in Darjeeling, urging people to support development, security, and positive change. In Chennai, CPI leader D. Raja voted and encouraged citizens to exercise democratic rights. He predicted a DMK-led victory in Tamil Nadu and emphasised the need to defeat the BJP in West Bengal.

-ANI

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai cast his vote in Coimbatore, while DMK Deputy General Secretary and MP Tiruchi Siva exercised his franchise in Tiruchirappalli. Meanwhile, DMDK treasurer and Rajya Sabha MP Sudish voted at a polling station in Valasaravakkam, as prominent leaders participated in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections across constituencies.

-ANI

Actor Dhanush cast his ballot during the single-phase Tamil Nadu elections at Kamarajar Road Corporation School in Chennai at around 9.10 am.

Voting was delayed at a polling booth in Raghunathganj Girl’s School in Murshidabad due to an EVM malfunction. Frustrated voters expressed anger over the long wait and absence of a replacement machine, highlighting concerns during polling.

-PTI

BJP state president and Sattur candidate Nainar Nagenthran cast his vote in Tirunelveli and said SIR is appropriate, citing removal of deceased or shifted voters. He attributed higher turnout to SIR and anti-incumbency. Meanwhile, AIADMK’s North Madurai candidate P. Saravanan also exercised his franchise during the Tamil Nadu polls.

-PTI