The voting process for the 2026 Assembly Elections has officially commenced in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. In West Bengal, the elections are scheduled to be held in two phases, with the first phase covering 152 seats today, April 23. Simultaneously, polling is being conducted for all 234 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu in a single phase. Voting in both states began at 7 AM and will conclude at 6 PM.
Electoral Landscape in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu
The political stakes are high as the BJP is putting in significant efforts to come to power in both states. In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee's TMC faces a major challenge in retaining its hold on power. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu, it won't be an easy task for MK Stalin to return to government, while 73 crore voters will decide the fate of 4,023 candidates.
Key Statistics for West Bengal Phase 1
The first phase of the West Bengal elections involves the following key figures:
Election Commission Directives and Restrictions
The Election Commission has issued strict instructions to candidates contesting the West Bengal Assembly elections. Candidates have been directed not to leave their respective constituencies from 6 AM on April 23 until the conclusion of polling. According to a senior official, candidates must remain in their constituencies during voting hours and refrain from any activity that could disrupt the electoral process. The commission expects the polling to be conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful manner, allowing voters to exercise their democratic rights without fear or hindrance.
Heatwave Warning and Election Schedule
The Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning for West Bengal and across North and Central India. Due to the extreme heat, it's expected that most voters will cast their ballots during the morning and evening hours, with a potential dip in turnout during the afternoon. The second phase of polling in West Bengal is scheduled for April 29. The counting of votes for both states will take place on May 4.