West Bengal and Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: Voting commenced at 7:00 AM today across West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, marking a significant day in the ongoing 2026 legislative assembly elections. The Election Commission of India has implemented extensive security measures to ensure a peaceful polling process, which is scheduled to continue until 6:00 PM.
In West Bengal, the first phase covers 152 constituencies across 16 districts. This round is considered a vital indicator of the state’s political direction. A total of 1,478 candidates, including 167 women, are in the fray. While the contest features multiple parties, the primary focus remains on the competition between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Data from the 2021 assembly elections highlights the competitive nature of these 152 seats. During that cycle, the Trinamool Congress secured 93 seats with a vote share of approximately 47–49 percent, while the BJP won 59 seats with a vote share of 37–39 percent. The Left-Congress-ISF alliance maintained a 9–11 percent vote share but did not secure any seats in these constituencies.
Simultaneously, Tamil Nadu is holding elections for all 234 assembly seats. Over 5.73 crore eligible voters are participating to determine the political future of the state, with 4,023 candidates competing. The electoral contest is primarily between the ruling DMK-led alliance and the opposition AIADMK-led front.
Political dynamics in Tamil Nadu have seen a shift this year with the entry of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by Vijay. His participation has introduced a three-way contest in several constituencies. Chief Minister MK Stalin is seeking a mandate based on his development programs, while AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami is campaigning for a return to power.
The Election Commission has confirmed that the counting of votes for both states will take place on May 4. As polling progresses throughout the day, the final figures recorded in the electronic voting machines will determine the administration for the upcoming term in both regions.
