TamilNadu/WestBengal: Assembly Election Voting 2026: Voting is underway across Tamil Nadu and in the first phase of West Bengal’s Assembly elections, though the day has not been without its share of disruptions. In West Bengal, polling was briefly held up at a booth in Mothabari after an EVM malfunctioned, causing a short delay before voting resumed. More seriously, a string of violent incidents has cast a shadow over proceedings in parts of the state. In Sitalkuchi, a BJP Kisan Morcha leader was left seriously injured following an alleged assault. In Naoda, TMC candidate Sahina Mumtaj claimed she was set upon by supporters of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party, an accusation flatly denied by party leader Humayun Kabir.

The trouble did not begin on polling day. On Wednesday night, clashes between CPI(M) and TMC supporters left four people injured, setting an uneasy tone ahead of the morning’s vote.

West Bengal voting

In West Bengal, the main contest is between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the principal opposition. Other contenders include the Left Front (CPI(M)-led, contesting around 224 seats) and the Indian National Congress (INC). The TMC has promised expanded welfare schemes, support for women, job opportunities for youth, and infrastructure development. 

The second phase of voting in West Bengal will be held on April 29 for the remaining 142 seats in its 294-member Assembly. Vote counting for both states is set for May 4.

Tamil Nadu voting

In Tamil Nadu, the main contest is between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance and the NDA led by the AIADMK. The ruling DMK alliance, also known as the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) and led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, performed strongly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and is relying on its welfare schemes. Challengers include the NDA led by AIADMK (contesting 169 seats, with BJP on 27 and PMK on 18), and actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which is contesting all 234 seats as a youth-focused, anti-corruption alternative. Edappadi K. Palaniswami (AIADMK) and K. Annamalai (BJP) are key NDA leaders. 

Polling Hours: Both states – voting from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Result: Vote counting for both states is set for May 4.

West Bengal Election Voting 2026 Live: ‘I will make whole TMC into zero…’ says AJUO founder Humayun Kabir

West Bengal Election Voting 2026 Live: Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) President Humayun Kabir said, “Nobody can stop me…I will make the whole TMC into zero in the entire Murshidabad district…”

Murshidabad, West Bengal: Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) President Humayun Kabir says, “Nobody can stop me…I will make the whole TMC into zero in the entire Murshidabad district…”

Bengal Election Voting 2026 Live: Argument breaks out between TMC, BJP workers in Siliguri

The heated battle between the TMC and the BJP is clearly visible at the ground. In the Siliguri assembly seat, workers of both parties entered into an argument. The security situation is under control. 

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 | An argument broke out between supporters of TMC and BJP candidate from Siliguri assembly constituency, Sankar Ghosh, at Jagadish Chandra Vidyapith, Booth Number-26/237, in Siliguri.

Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 | Actor Dhanush arrived at a polling station in Chennai to cast his vote.

West Bengal Election Voting 2026 Live: Presiding Officer, in Malda, Sumona Sarka, said, “There was a slight technical problem. We were ready since 5:30… The technician came and replaced the machine, but it still didn’t work properly, so another machine was brought. However, everything is fine now…”

Tamil Nadu Election Voting 2026 Live: Former CM and DMK candidate from Bodinayakkanur Assembly constituency O Panneerselvam casts his vote at a polling station in Periyakulam

Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 | Theni | Former CM and DMK candidate from Bodinayakkanur Assembly constituency O Panneerselvam casts his vote at a polling station in Periyakulam

West Bengal Election Voting 2026: A scuffle breaks out between TMC workers and Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir in Murshidabad. Humayun Kabir is visiting the area where a crude bomb hurling incident was reported yesterday.

West Bengal Elections 2026 | A scuffle breaks out between TMC workers and Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir in Murshidabad.

Humayun Kabir is visiting the area where a crude bomb hurling incident was reported yesterday.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections | BJP leader K Annamalai casts his vote at a polling station in Coimbatore.

West Bengal Election Voting 2026: According to a PTI report, several people were injured as unidentified people hurled a crude bomb in Nowda, Murshidabad district. More details are awaited. 

Tamil Nadu, West Bengal voting live update: Tamil Nadu – 17.69%, West Bengal (phase 1) – 18.76%

State Assembly Elections | Approximate voter turnout as of 9 am

Tamil Nadu – 17.69%
West Bengal (phase 1) – 18.76%

Tamil Nadu Election Voting 2026: After voting, CM and DMK candidate from Kolathur, MK Stalin, said, “Just like I exercised my right, everyone must fulfil their democratic duty; it is important.”

“Tamil Nadu will win,” he also said.

Tamil Nadu Election Voting 2026: Tamil Nadu CM and DMK candidate from Kolathur, MK Stalin, arrives at a polling station in Chennai to cast his vote. His family, including his son and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, is also with him.

Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 | Tamil Nadu CM and DMK candidate from Kolathur, MK Stalin arrives at a polling station in Chennai to cast his vote.

His family, including his son and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, is also with him.

Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 | Superstar Rajinikanth shows his inked finger after casting his vote at Stella Maris School in Chennai.

West Bengal Election Voting 2026: West Bengal Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday emphasised the importance of the Assembly elections, saying that Sanatana in Bengal would be finished if a political change does not take place this time.

“Parivartan hoga. If a change does not take place this time, Sanatana in Bengal will be finished. The Election Commission is doing good work, but there are some goons everywhere. Our polling agent has been arrested. Strict action should be taken immediately,” quoted him as saying.

West Bengal Election Voting 2026: BJP leader Agnimitra Paul on Thursday cast her vote in Asansol and expressed confidence in her party’s victory in the Assembly elections, stating that the people of Bengal are determined to remove the TMC from power.

She also targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying, “You are a failure as a Chief Minister and must leave the post.”

“We are confident that the people of Bengal will vote for the BJP. They are determined to remove the TMC, which is a disgrace to the Chief Minister’s chair and the voters. This is a fight to save Bengal. We do not want politics based on Hindu-Muslim divisions. We want employment for the youth and to bring back 40 lakh people who migrated from here. You are a failure as a Chief Minister and must leave the post.

Agnimitra Paul is contesting from the Asansol South Assembly constituency against TMC’s Tapas Banerjee.

Tamil Nadu Election Voting 2026: IIT Madras Director Veezhinathan Kamakoti casts his vote at a polling station in Chennai’s Mylapore. 

After casting his vote, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti said that Tamil Nadu is doing well in education and healthcare and expressed hope that it will continue to do so.

“We have 21 years to achieve Viksit Bharat 2047, which is very important. All governments and states have to fine-tune themselves. Education and healthcare are top priorities. We have been doing well as a state, and I am sure we will continue this good work and offer the best in these two critical areas,” he said.

Tamil Nadu Election Voting 2026: Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief and actor Kamal Haasan, along with his daughter Shruti Haasan cast their vote at Alwarpet School in Chennai

Tamil Nadu Election Voting 2026: Former Tamil Nadu Finance Minister and senior AIADMK leader D. Jayakumar on Thursday cast his vote and emphasised the importance of the election, saying, “This election is very important as it will put an end to one-family rule and ‘ganja culture’.”

“We exercised our democratic right today. This election is very important, giving an end to one family dynasty and ‘ganja’ culture. Law and order is the worst in Tamil Nadu,”ANI quoted him as saying.

West Bengal Election Voting 2026: West Bengal Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari casts his vote at a polling station in Nandigram.

Notably, Suvendu Adhikari is contesting against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from the Bhabanipur constituency. Adhikari is also contesting from Nandigram against Pabitra Kar (Trinamool Congress). Kar had switched back to the TMC after quitting the BJP last month.

Bureau Report