News Desk
Voting is underway in two of India’s key states, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, as millions of voters cast their ballots in simultaneous assembly elections. In West Bengal, polling has begun for the first phase covering 152 constituencies, while in Tamil Nadu all 234 constituencies are voting from 7am to 6pm. Voter turnout has been marked by enthusiasm among women, young voters and first-time participants, with long queues seen outside polling stations. The Election Commission has deployed extensive security arrangements to ensure free and fair polling. Political leaders have also urged citizens to turn out in large numbers to strengthen the democratic process.
Voting Begins in 152 Seats in First Phase of West Bengal Assembly Elections
Polling began at 7am on Thursday across 152 constituencies in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections under tight security arrangements. Voters were seen queuing up early in large numbers, with noticeable enthusiasm outside polling stations. Women and first-time voters, in particular, appeared energetic and excited to participate in the electoral process.
A total of 1478 candidates, including 167 women, are contesting across 16 districts. Voting will continue until 6pm, although those already in queue by closing time will be allowed to cast their votes. More than 360 million voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in this phase, across 44,376 polling stations, including 5,444 manned by women officials.
To ensure peaceful and transparent elections, the Election Commission has deployed over 2,400 companies of central armed police forces, involving more than 240,000 personnel. CCTV surveillance and webcasting are being used across polling stations, with over 800 booths classified as sensitive. The voting covers districts in North, Central and Western Bengal, including Darjeeling, Malda and Cooch Behar.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress had won 92 of these 152 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party secured 59.
Voting Begins for All 234 Seats in Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections
Polling for all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu began at 7am on Thursday and will continue until 6pm. Voters across the state began arriving early at polling stations to exercise their democratic right.
The Election Commission has made extensive arrangements to ensure peaceful and transparent elections, with 75,032 polling stations set up across the state, including 5,938 identified as sensitive. Around 150,000 security personnel have been deployed, including central paramilitary forces, state police, Rapid Action Force, home guards and retired officers.
A total of 4,023 candidates, including 443 women, are contesting the elections. Out of 567 million eligible voters, more than 270 million are men, 289 million are women, and 7,728 belong to the transgender community. Youth participation is significant, with over 100 million voters in the 18–29 age group.
After polling concludes, EVMs will be sealed and transported to strong rooms under round-the-clock security.
PM Modi Calls for Record Voter Turnout in West Bengal Elections
Shortly after polling began in the first phase of West Bengal elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to vote in large numbers through social media.
In his message, he encouraged especially young voters and women to participate actively in the democratic process and help set new turnout records. He also appealed to voters in Tamil Nadu to exercise their franchise with enthusiasm.
Kharge Urges Voters in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to Participate Actively
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has called on voters in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to turn out in large numbers. He said the elections represent a struggle to protect citizens’ rights, federal principles, equality, justice and democratic values.
Addressing voters, particularly first-time youth voters, he urged them to vote without fear or pressure, stating that each vote is a voice for the future. He also stressed the importance of upholding constitutional values and strengthening democracy, encouraging citizens to ensure that development reaches every corner of the states.
