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Tamil Nadu, West Bengal Election 2026 Polling, Voter Turnout Live Updates: West Bengal and Tamil Nadu stand on the brink of transformative Assembly elections, with West Bengal’s Phase 1 covering 152 constituencies on April 23 (Thursday) and Tamil Nadu conducting its single-phase poll across all 234 seats.
Over 12 crore voters combined- 6.82 crore in Bengal and 5.73 crore in Tamil Nadu- will shape the political future of these powerhouse states today, as Trinamool Congress (TMC)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rivalries clash in the east and Dravidian giants Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) vie for dominance in the south amid Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) disruptive debut.
Campaigns ended amid high-decibel rhetoric on April 21, with counting across both states slated for May 4 (Monday), promising early indicators of national trends.
West Bengal Phase 1: North Bengal’s make-or-break battlegrounds
High-profile Phase 1 polling on April 23 spans 152 constituencies from North Bengal’s border districts like- Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling through tribal belts in Jhargram, industrial Paschim Bardhaman and some parts of Purulia, Bankura, Malda, Murshidabad, Paschim Medinipur, Birbhum and Nadia. Nandigram remains the prestige epicenter, where BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari- victor over Mamata Banerjee in 2021- faces TMC‘s Pabitra Kar, Congress’s Sekh Jariatul Hossain and CPI’s Shanti Giri in a multi-cornered rematch symbolizing.
ALSO READTamil Nadu Elections: Why Edappadi, Trichy East and Mylapore can redraw Dravidian dominance
TMC mounts a fierce revenge campaign in West Bengal‘s Phase 1, targeting North Bengal’s critical 54 seats- BJP strongholds from its 2021 surge- that head to polls first on April 23, as saffron forces defend their turf against Mamata Banerjee’s aggressive bid to recapture lost ground. While BJP safeguards 59 of its 77 previous victories in this phase and TMC shields 92, the battle hinges on welfare promises clashing with regional divides across tea gardens, SC and ST belts and sensitive border zones.
Tamil Nadu single-phase showdown: Dravidian rivals and new disruptors
Tamil Nadu‘s April 23 single-phase frenzy pits around 4,023 candidates against 5.73 crore voters deciding 234 seats, with DMK’s Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) under MK Stalin– promising a ‘South Asia model state’- clashing against AIADMK-led NDA’s Edappadi K Palaniswami, who rallies first-timers for development and prosperity after five opposition years.
ALSO READNandigram to Sandeshkhali – the West Bengal seats that will decide everything in 2026
Actor Vijay’s TVK escalates the fray from Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East, taunting EPS’s home turf limits and targeting youth disillusionment to forge a triangular contest. EVMs dispatch to 1.40 lakh police-secured booths, with CEO Archana Patnaik enforcing zero-tolerance on tampering- banning inks or covers on candidate buttons under threat of repolls- while international observers tour via ECI’s IEVP and outsiders exit districts for smooth, 100 per cent turnout drives.
Live Updates
09:48 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Several people injured as unidentified people hurled crude bomb in Murshidabad
Several people injured as unidentified people hurled crude bomb in Murshidabad district's Nowda amid polling in the state.
09:45 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: TTV Dhinakaran casts his vote in Chennai's Adyar
AMMK Party General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran casts his vote at a polling station in Chennai's Adyar.
09:34 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: Vijay cast his vote at a polling station in Chennai
Vijay, TVK chief and candidate from Tiruchirappalli East and Perambur constituencies, cast his vote at a polling station in Chennai.
09:28 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: CEO Bengal welcomes international delegates at polling booth in Darjeeling
CEO West Bengal tweets, "International delegates as part of IEVP 2026 and ECI Representative welcomed at the Polling stations of Paul Choudhury Tribal Hindi High School in Matigara of Darjeeling district of West Bengal."
09:22 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: 'Tamil Nadu will win', says CM MK Stalin after casting his vote
After casting vote at SIET College in Chennai today, Chief Minister MK Stalin says, "Tamil Nadu will win."
09:15 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: Durga Stalin, wife of Tamil Nadu CM, casts her vote in Chennai
Durga Stalin, wife of Tamil Nadu CM and DMK candidate from Kolathur, MK Stalin, casts her vote at a polling station in Chennai.
09:11 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: Madurai Collector Praveen Kumar stands in line to cast his vote
Madurai Collector KJ Praveen Kumar stands in line with family to cast vote, also takes stock of arrangements at polling station.
09:05 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: Rajinikanth shows inked finger after casting vote in Chennai
Superstar Rajinikanth shows his inked finger after casting his vote at Stella Maris School in Chennai.
09:01 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: BJP's Suvendu Adhikari on poll‑day tensions and ‘change’ in state
State Leader of Opposition and BJP candidate from Nandigram and Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari, has asserted that a “change” is imminent in West Bengal, saying, “Parivartan hoga. If a change does not take place this time, Sanatana in Bengal will be finished.” He acknowledged the Election Commission’s efforts, stating that it is doing good work, but claimed that “there are some goons everywhere” and alleged that one of his polling agents has been arrested. He demanded that strict action be taken immediately against those involved and called for a fair and secure environment for voters and party representatives on polling day.
08:56 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: MNM chief and actor Kamal Haasan cast his vote
MNM chief and actor Kamal Haasan, along with his daughter Shruti Haasan, show their inked fingers after casting their votes. On being asked, how confident is he of a second term, Kamal Haasan says, "Yes"
08:53 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: Actor Rajinikanth arrives at polling station in Chennai to cast his vote
Actor Rajinikanth arrives to cast vote at Stella Mariss, Chennai.
08:42 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: P Chidambaram casts his vote in Sivaganga
Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram casts his vote in Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga.
08:31 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: NTK leader Seeman and his wife cast vote in Chennai
NTK leader Seeman and his wife cast vote in Chennai. Seeman says, "Youth should vote for their desired change”.
08:26 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul shows inked finger after casting her vote
BJP candidate from Asansol South Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul shows her inked finger after casting her vote She says, "We are sure that the people of Bengal will vote for BJP... They are determined with remove TMC, who is a disgrace to the CM's chair and voters... 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... You (Mamata Banerjee) are a failure as a Chief Minister and you must leave the seat."
08:20 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Suvendu Adhikari casts his vote in Nandigram
State LoP and BJP Candidate from Nandigram and Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari casts his vote at a polling station in Nandigram West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is contesting against him from the Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency.
08:16 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
West Bengal, Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 LIVE: 'Take part in voting enthusiastically', says PM Modi
PM Modi appeals people of Tamil Nadu, Bengal to vote in large numbers Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appealed to the people of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to "enthusiastically" take part in the voting for the Assembly elections in their states.
08:13 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: 'We got opportunity to connect with people during elections', says Nisith Pramanik
BJP’s Mathabhanga seat candidate Nisith Pramanik says, “Our effort is always to reach as many people as possible, to go door to door, make eye contact, and understand people. We consider it our good fortune during elections that we get this opportunity to connect directly with people.”
08:08 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: Actor Ajith casts his vote in Chennai
Actor S Ajith Kumar casts his vote at a polling station in Chennai's Thiruvanmiyur.
08:05 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: 'There should be no law and order issue', says Humayun Kabir
Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir says, "I will cast my vote for the West Bengal elections. I have been participating in elections since 1982, but this is the first time my own party is contesting in these elections. There should be no law and order issue in the state."
08:02 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: 'Everyone should celebrate democratic right', says Tamilisai Soundarajan after casting her vote
BJP candidate from Mylapore candidate Tamilisai Soundarajan casts her vote, says, "Everyone should celebrate the democratic right. I am really very happy that the same booth game me opportunity to vote as an ordinary member, to vote as a medical student, to vote as governor I did not change my vote even though when I become the governor of two states. And now it has given me an opportunity to vote as a candidate. This is the process of beauty of democracy. And people should be safe in Tamil Nadu. There should be a change and women voices should be raised in Parliament or assembly people will give us an opportunity."
07:58 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: 'NDA will win even with blessings of God', says Tamilisai Soundararajan
BJP candidate from Mylapore assembly constituency, Tamilisai Soundararajan says, "This is the democratic celebration. Each and everyone should take part in this democratic celebration. I am very happy, I am a candidate, as well as a voter. With all the blessings of the people of Tamil Nadu, NDA will win even in Mylapore with the blessings of God and the people, I will raise the voice of women in Assembly."
07:57 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: 'NDA will win with blessings of God and people', says BJP candidate Tamilisai Soundararajan
BJP candidate from Mylapore assembly constituency, Tamilisai Soundararajan says, "This is the democratic celebration. Each and everyone should take part in this democratic celebration. I am very happy, I am a candidate, as well as a voter. With all the blessings of the people of Tamil Nadu, NDA will win even in Mylapore with the blessings of God and the people, I will raise the voice of women in Assembly."
07:50 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: Tamil Nadu CEO’s poll‑day reminder to voters
The day has finally arrived and polling is open across Tamil Nadu from 7 AM to 6 PM, the State CEO reminds voters in a fresh appeal. Urging citizens not to delay or miss their chance, the message stresses: “Don’t wait. Don’t miss it.” The call concludes with a direct appeal- step out now and cast your vote to make your voice count in this crucial Assembly election.
07:45 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: 'Casting my vote has been my biggest democratic right', says Khushbu Sundar
BJP leader Khushbu Sundar says, "You can see the smile on my face, that says it all. Casting my vote has been my biggest democratic right and I think this matters a lot to me as a citizen of the country...Today is the time for people to take a call and decision and we leave it to them..." On bomb threat at her residence, she says, "I think these are part and parcel of being in a political party. It is not the first time there was a bomb threat in my house. This time, there was a slightly more serious one. Extremely thankful to the Police who took immediate action."
07:40 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: 'People have right to question any govt', says BJP's Khushbu Sundar
BJP leader Khushbu Sundar arrives at Sri Chaitanya Techno School polling station in Chennai to cast vote, says, "People have right to question any government. I think it is a fundamental duty. One day is a holiday, let us relax and sleep, don't do that. Just get out of your house and cast your vote."
07:36 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: First time voters in Theni fulfils democratic duty
First time voters in Tamil Nadu's Theni excited about fulfilling their democratic duty.
07:24 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Voting begins in Medinipur in first phase of polling
Voting begins in Medinipur in first phase of Assembly elections amid tight security; voters queue up to cast their votes.
07:18 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: PM Modi appeals voters in Tamil Nadu to participate in ongoing polling
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon all voters in Tamil Nadu to enthusiastically participate in the ongoing Assembly elections, describing voting as a sacred duty of democracy. He urged citizens to turn out in large numbers and make their voices heard through the ballot. Addressing the youth and women of Tamil Nadu in particular, he exhorted them to come out and vote in record numbers, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the state’s future.
07:12 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: PM Modi appeals voters on Phase 1 of polling
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged all citizens of West Bengal to participate in the Phase 1 of the state’s Assembly elections taking place today, calling it a “festival of democracy.” He appealed to voters to turn out in full strength and exercise their franchise with enthusiasm. In particular, he addressed the youth and women of West Bengal, asking them to vote in large numbers and play an active role in shaping the state’s future through democratic participation.
07:06 (IST) 23 Apr 2026
West Bengal Elections 2026 LIVE: People queue up outside polling station as voting begins in Siliguri
People queue up outside a polling station in Siliguri as they await their turn to cast a vote.
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