Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi New Delhi, Apr 22: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday said it has seized more than Rs 1,000 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and other items from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal ahead of the 2026 general elections. In a statement, the poll panel sa.....

Poll-related seizures in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal surpass ₹1,000 crore, including cash, liquor, drugs, and precious metals.

Both West Bengal and Tamil Nadu will go to the polls on April 23, with West Bengal scheduled for another round (phase 2 of polling) on April 29. 

West Bengal is witnessing unprecedented security arrangements ahead of the first phase of elections on Thursday. The Election Commission has deployed over 2.4 lakh Central Armed Police Forces personnel, a significant increase compared to the 2021 elections. A total of 2,407 companies of central forces are stationed for the two phases scheduled on April 23 and April 29. Heavy deployments are concentrated in districts including Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Murshidabad, Birbhum, and Malda. The Election Commission has also imposed strict restrictions, banning motorcycle rallies and restricting motorbike movement between 6 AM and 6 PM, with exemptions for gig workers and emergencies. Non-voters are barred from residential complexes housing polling booths, and outsiders cannot stay in coastal towns like Digha. Liquor shops in polling areas are closed for four days. While the Trinamool Congress accuses the Election Commission of acting at the centre's behest, the Bharatiya Janata Party maintains that these measures…

Two major states vote simultaneously, with April 23 to see high-decibel electoral spectacle in West Begal and Tamil Nadu.

Polling underway in across 152 of West Bengal’s 294 constituencies in the first phase, while all 234 seats in Tamil Nadu are voting in a single-day contest. Both states are expected to see pitched poll battles that could reshape regional power equations.

In a major crackdown on electoral malpractice, officials reported record seizures - Rs 1,262 crore intercepted and Rs 543 crore worth confiscated.

According to official data, Tamil Nadu has recorded total seizures worth Rs 599.24 crore, while West Bengal stands at Rs 472.89 crore so far.

West Bengal’s 2026 Assembly elections introduce major firsts, including two-phase polling, AI-based surveillance, enhanced security deployment, and QR-enabled voter slips to ensure transparency and efficiency.

The poll panel warned that applying fragrances on EVM buttons to track votes violates ballot secrecy, and directed officials to inspect machines thoroughly, ensuring all buttons remain visible and free of any substances.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: Tamil Nadu heads to the polls on 23 April 2026 for a single-phase Assembly election across all 234 constituencies, with results due on 4 May. The contest is set to be a three-cornered fight between the DMK-led alliance, the AIADMK-anchored NDA, and actor Vijay's fledgling TVK party.

West Bengal's first phase of assembly elections on April 23 features 152 seats, massive security, and intense political rivalry.

Kapil Sibal criticizes the Election Commission for acting against TMC in West Bengal, alleging misuse of state machinery in elections.

West Bengal Elections Phase 1 what is open and closed, banks schools liquor shops shut, voting on April 23 brings public holidays, dry days, and service changes across 152 constituencies.

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.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: Over 5.6 crore voters will decide the fate of 234 constituencies in a contest that brings together established rivals and a new political entrant.

Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. According to an official press note, the total seizures in the two poll-bound states have reached Rs 1,072.13 crore since the activation of the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) on February 26. India News | Cash, Liquor, Drugs Worth over Rs 1,000 Cr Seized in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal Ahead of Polls.

To ensure violence-free polling, the ECI has deployed 2,193 Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) across the 152 constituencies.

Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. Over 5.67 crore voters will decide the fate of 234 constituencies on April 23, with the final verdict arriving on May 4. Polling will take place from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm across the state. India News | Tamil Nadu Polls: Power Test for DMK, Revival Push for AIADMK, Debut Challenge for TVK.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 LIVE Updates: This assembly elections feature a mix of political heavyweights and new entrants, shaping a closely watched contest

West Bengal Election 2026 Polling, Voting Result - Date, Time, Streaming: Out of a total 294 Bengal Assembly constituencies, 152 are going to the elections today. Of these 152, as many as 54 are located in eight North Bengal districts while rest are spread across Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum and Hooghly.

Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asked the voters to "protect your identity" in a message which came a day ahead of voting in Tamil Nadu. India News | Protect Your Identity, Your Rights: Rahul Gandhi's Message to People of Tamil Nadu Ahead of Polling.

West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 Voting Percentage Today Live Updates: Out of a total 294 Bengal Assembly constituencies, 152 are going to the elections today. Of these 152, as many as 54 are located in eight North Bengal districts while rest are spread across Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum and Hooghly.