West Bengal’s Phase 1 recorded a striking 92.86% voter turnout across 16 districts, covering North Bengal, parts of South Bengal, and Jangalmahal areas. The Election Commission “saluted” voters for participating in large numbers. Amid the high turnout, Congress alleged an attack on its party agent by TMC workers in Berhampore, escalating political claims around the voting day.
TVK chief Vijay has urged the Election Commission to intervene after alleging that voters were left stranded at bus terminals due to “intentional misplanning” by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation. He also asked the ECI to extend polling by two hours, citing delays at multiple booths, and called the situation an assault on voters’ fundamental right to vote.
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Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge sparked outrage in Tamil Nadu by calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “terrorist” during campaigning. He later clarified he meant Modi “terrorises” political opponents by misusing agencies. The BJP slammed the remark, demanded an apology, and filed a complaint with the Election Commission alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
Tamil Nadu and West Bengal begin voting for the 2026 assembly polls today, following mock polling to assess readiness across booths. Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase, while West Bengal goes in two phases. Counting is scheduled for May 4. Key fights are between DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and TMC and BJP in West Bengal, alongside by-elections in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the high voter turnout in West Bengal’s first phase of assembly elections, highlighting strong participation from young voters and women. He credited the Election Commission for conducting polling that was largely peaceful. Modi also suggested that the turnout reflects voters’ desire for change in the state, framing it as momentum going into subsequent phases.
West Bengal’s first phase of polling ended Thursday, with State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal saying voters “stepped out to cast their votes without any fear.” Agarwal credited CAPF control of security at polling stations and claimed that webcasting was “100 per cent foolproof,” highlighting tighter monitoring as the campaign moved into the next phase.
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The Election Commission has issued fresh post-poll guidelines for West Bengal’s assembly elections, directing that SD cards from polling booth cameras will not be removed immediately. Instead, cameras must be dismantled under sector officer supervision while video footage is preserved securely. Polling party members and BLOs must remain until dismounting is completed, and a webcasting trial begins Friday for the second phase.
Tamil Nadu Assembly polls are underway, but TVK chief Vijay has urged the Election Commission to extend voting by two hours, until 8 PM. Citing long queues and slow polling that may discourage voters, he also asked for emergency public transport and stronger supervision at booths to keep the process moving smoothly.
The Election Commission of India has ordered the suspension of Sandip Sarkar, Officer-in-Charge of Hingalganj police station in North 24 Parganas, over allegations of partisan behavior and a suspected nexus with local elements. The EC has initiated disciplinary proceedings, demanded immediate compliance, and proposed filling the vacant post.
The Election Commission says it will examine an opposition complaint that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address violated the model code of conduct. The speech was broadcast on Doordarshan, and critics allege it created an uneven playing field. The development comes while voting continues across several states, with the poll code in force until May 4.
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During West Bengal assembly polling in Domkal, Murshidabad, voters alleged intimidation and threats, claiming armed individuals created fear and disrupted voting. The Election Commission has ordered a report on the charges. Security forces were later deployed, voting resumed under escort, and the situation reportedly improved after intervention.
The Election Commission of India has directed West Bengal’s Director General of Police to take strict preventive measures against 800 individuals flagged for voter intimidation and attempts to disrupt elections. The EC said more than 500 suspects have already been arrested and stressed accountability across every police level, warning against any lapses as polling unfolds.
The Election Commission suspended polling personnel at a booth in Pingla, West Bengal, after allegations they left the polling station unattended during voting hours. An inquiry has been ordered into the incident, while a reserve polling party was deployed to ensure voting could continue smoothly. The episode occurred during the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections.
The Supreme Court refused to hear a plea from West Bengal election duty officers who claimed their names were deleted from the electoral rolls. Instead of granting immediate relief, the court directed them to approach the Appellate Tribunals created to resolve such disputes. The matter now moves to those tribunals, affecting preparations for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.
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BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that TMC supporters threatened a BJP worker at her residence in South Kolkata over campaigning. He urged immediate Election Commission action, arguing the incident is tied to strong voter turnout and claiming the ruling party fears an “imminent rout.” The allegation adds fuel to a heated election-season dispute over intimidation claims.
Ahead of West Bengal’s first-phase Assembly polling on April 23, the Election Commission has introduced fresh restrictions for two-wheelers. The directive, effective Tuesday, bans bike rallies, limits nighttime movement of riders, and prohibits pillion riding during daytime. It targets all assembly constituencies going to vote in the first phase, amid concerns over past election-linked violence.
Kapil Sibal sharply criticized the Centre and the Election Commission over the security-heavy deployment for West Bengal assembly polls. He claims there is “gross abuse” of state machinery and effectively a state of emergency, alleging the Chief Election Commissioner is acting in tandem with the BJP. Sibal argues the government is targeting the election itself, not contesting parties.
The Election Commission has directed West Bengal candidates to remain within their respective constituencies from April 23 through the polling period to protect a free and fair vote. The second phase of polling is scheduled for April 29, with results expected on May 4. The rule aims to reduce intimidation and ensure voters can cast ballots without fear.
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Authorities seized more than ₹1,000 crore in poll-related materials across West Bengal and Tamil Nadu ahead of Assembly elections. Tamil Nadu accounted for ₹599 crore and West Bengal for ₹472 crore, with seizures including alleged freebies, cash, liquor, and drugs. The Election Commission has sent teams to ensure a level playing field and handle public complaints.
The Election Commission of India has denied permission for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s proposed rally in Bhawanipore ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, drawing an angry response from the Trinamool Congress. Banerjee questioned alleged bias, pointing to how quickly permission was reportedly granted for PM Narendra Modi’s rallies, intensifying the campaign’s political tension.
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