Strong early turnout in Bengal and Tamil Nadu as polling begins

Kolkata/Chennai: Voter participation got off to a steady start in both West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, with turnout recorded at 18.76% and 17.69% respectively by 9 a.m., according to the Election Commission of India.

Polling for the first phase of West Bengal’s Assembly elections began at 7 a.m. across 152 constituencies spread over 16 districts. Long queues at several polling stations indicated strong voter enthusiasm early in the day.

The districts going to polls in this phase include Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, West Burdwan, and Birbhum.

The remaining 142 constituencies in West Bengal will vote in the second phase on April 29, with results scheduled to be declared on May 4.

Meanwhile, polling is underway across all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu, where over 5.73 crore eligible voters are set to decide the fate of 4,023 candidates in a closely fought contest.

The main electoral battle in the state features alliances led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, along with other key players such as Naam Tamilar Katchi and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

Voting began early in the morning, with large numbers of voters turning up at booths, reflecting a high level of public engagement. Political parties are closely tracking turnout trends, as voter participation is expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome.

Counting of votes for both states will take place on May 4, when the results will decide the next governments.

With inputs from IANS