West Bengal and Tamil Nadu witnessed heavy voter participation in their respective Assembly elections on Thursday, with polling largely peaceful but marked by sporadic incidents of violence in parts of West Bengal.
In West Bengal, an impressive 91.74 per cent turnout was recorded till 6 p.m. in the first phase of polling. Of the 3.60 crore eligible voters, nearly 91.46 per cent had cast their ballots across 152 constituencies spread over 16 districts.
The phase will determine the fate of 1,478 candidates in the 294-member State Assembly. Among districts, Jhargram reported the highest turnout at 90.53 per cent, followed by Malda at 89.56 per cent and Kalimpong at 81.98 per cent. Most districts recorded polling above 78 per cent.
However, the day was not without tension. Police said stones were hurled at BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul’s car in Asansol Dakshin, damaging its rear windows. Another BJP candidate, Subhendu Sarkar from Kumarganj, alleged that he was injured after his vehicle was attacked by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers.
In Murshidabad, clashes were reported when TMC workers allegedly confronted police during the visit of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought a report following complaints that some voters were prevented from casting their ballots in parts of Domkal.
The remaining 142 constituencies, including those in and around Kolkata, will go to polls in the second phase on April 29. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
Tamil Nadu
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu also recorded robust voter participation, with a 84.69 per cent turnout reported by evening. The state is witnessing a three-cornered contest between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, the AIADMK-BJP alliance, and actor Vijay’s political debut.
The DMK has campaigned on its “Dravidian Model” of governance and welfare initiatives, while the AIADMK and BJP have targeted the ruling party over allegations of corruption and “family rule,” promising clean, efficient governance if voted into power.
Both states remain key battlegrounds where the BJP has historically struggled to establish dominance, making the outcome politically significant at the national level.
