Voting took place on Thursday in two key state elections, with West Bengal beginning Phase 1 polling and Tamil Nadu voting in a single phase for all 234 Assembly seats. Large numbers of voters reached polling booths early in the morning, leading to long queues in several areas.
In West Bengal, the first phase covered 152 constituencies across multiple districts. The election is being seen as a major contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), the BJP, and opposition alliances involving Congress and the Left parties. Political leaders described the phase as crucial because it sets the tone for the remaining rounds of voting in the state.
However, polling in some parts of Bengal was affected by reports of violence and unrest. In Murshidabad district, crude bombs were reportedly thrown, injuring a few people. Clashes between rival party workers were also reported from Domkol, Nowda and some nearby areas. Political parties blamed each other and demanded action from the Election Commission.
Security arrangements were tightened in sensitive districts, with central forces deployed outside polling booths and rapid response teams on standby. Despite the disturbances, many voters continued to turn up to cast their ballots. Officials said polling was largely smooth in most constituencies.
By late morning, Bengal recorded strong voter turnout, showing enthusiastic participation despite tensions in some pockets. Women and elderly voters were also seen arriving in good numbers.
In Tamil Nadu, polling was held across all 234 seats in a high-profile battle involving the ruling DMK, the AIADMK-led opposition alliance, BJP partners and actor-politician Vijay’s party, which is contesting a major state election for the first time.
Polling in Tamil Nadu remained mostly peaceful. In Chennai and other cities, long queues were seen outside voting centres from the early hours. Voters said they wanted to participate in deciding the state’s future and avoid the afternoon heat by voting early.
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