West Bengal & Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Voting LIVE: Voting Begins In High-Stakes Contest

Bengal & Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Voting Live: Bengal set for Phase 1 voting, Tamil Nadu to vote across all 234 seats in single phase; counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

By : ABP Live News  | Updated at : 23 Apr 2026 07:15 AM (IST)

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Key Events
07:15 (IST) Apr 23
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Live Updates: Bengal & Tamil Nadu Voting
Source : ANI

Background

West Bengal & Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Voting Live: West Bengal is all set for the first phase of its Assembly elections, while Tamil Nadu will see polling across all 234 constituencies in a single phase. The two states present contrasting electoral formats, with Bengal entering a multi-phase contest and Tamil Nadu witnessing a state-wide vote. Both elections carry high political stakes amid intense campaigning, shifting alliances and strong voter mobilisation, making them key contests in the current electoral cycle.

West Bengal Phase 1 Polls

The first phase in West Bengal covers 152 constituencies across 16 districts, with around 3.60 crore eligible voters.  The phase includes several politically sensitive regions in north Bengal and parts of southern districts.

The contest remains multi-cornered, involving the Trinamool Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress and the Left Front. Campaigning has centred on governance, welfare schemes, allegations of corruption and debates over voter roll revisions.

The Election Commission has put in place extensive security arrangements, with central forces deployed across constituencies and sensitive booths under close monitoring to ensure orderly polling.

Tamil Nadu Voting

Tamil Nadu will vote across all 234 Assembly constituencies in a single phase, with more than 4,000 candidates in the fray.  The election reflects an evolving political landscape beyond the traditional DMK-AIADMK bipolar contest.

The ruling DMK, led by Chief Minister M K Stalin, is seeking a second term, while the AIADMK-led alliance, with the BJP as a partner, is attempting to regain ground. Actor Vijay’s entry into politics has added a fresh element of competition.

Women voters form a significant share of the electorate, outnumbering men in a majority of constituencies. The elections in both states are expected to influence regional political alignments and broader national narratives.

Counting On May 4

Counting of votes for both West Bengal and Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is scheduled for May 4.

07:15 AM (IST)  •  23 Apr 2026

West Bengal Elections LIVE: PM Modi Urges Voters To Cast Ballots In 'Record Numbers' As Phase 1 Voting Begins

As polling for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections began on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to participate in large numbers, calling the electoral exercise a “festival of democracy.”

In a post on X, he said, “Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly elections takes place today. I urge all citizens to participate in this festival of democracy with full strength. I especially appeal to my young friends and to the women of West Bengal to vote in large numbers."

07:10 AM (IST)  •  23 Apr 2026

Assembly Election 2026 LIVE: Voting Begins In Phase 1 West Bengal, Tamil Nadu

Voting is underway for the West Bengal Phase 1 elections and the 3-cornered battle in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

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West Bengal Assembly Elections Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections West Bengal Assembly Election Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 West Bengal Election 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 WB Election 2026 Election Corner
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