Kolkata/Chennai, April 23
Voters turned out in record numbers in the opening phase of elections in eastern and southern India, as a fiercely contested political battle unfolded in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
In West Bengal, 92.72% of eligible voters cast their ballots in the first phase of assembly elections on Thursday, the highest since independence, according to officials. In Tamil Nadu, polling for all 234 seats was held in a single phase, recording 85.14% turnout — also a record for the state.
The elections come amid a sharp political contest involving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is seeking to unseat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, while expanding its footprint in the south.
High stakes and sharp rhetoric
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the high turnout in West Bengal as an “overwhelming mandate for change”, saying the results on 4 May would mark the end of what he called the TMC’s “syndicate system”.
Ms Banerjee rejected that claim, saying early trends suggested her party was on course to win a majority of seats in the first phase.
The contest in Tamil Nadu is primarily between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), alongside smaller but vocal challengers.
Massive turnout amid tensions
Polling in West Bengal covered 152 constituencies across 16 districts, with long queues seen throughout the day, particularly in rural areas. Election officials said participation levels reflected strong mobilisation by rival parties.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said the turnout was the highest recorded in the state since independence.
However, the vote was not without controversy. Allegations of violence, intimidation and attacks on candidates were reported from several constituencies. The Election Commission said polling was “largely peaceful” but has sought detailed reports.
Security was tight, with around 250,000 central paramilitary personnel deployed and more than 8,000 polling stations marked as highly sensitive.
Electoral rolls row
The elections are also being held against the backdrop of a political dispute over a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. More than nine million names were removed from voter lists across West Bengal, making it a central campaign issue.
Opposition parties have criticised the revision, while BJP leaders have credited the process — and broader electoral reforms — for increased voter participation.
Tamil Nadu contest
In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin campaigned on his government’s “Dravidian Model”, accusing the AIADMK of being influenced by the BJP. AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami is seeking a return to power after five years in opposition.
The state last recorded 73.63% turnout in 2021, with its previous high of 78.29% in 2011.
What happens next
The second phase of voting in West Bengal, covering the remaining 142 seats, will take place on 29 April. Votes for all contests — including those in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry — will be counted on 4 May.
The outcome is expected to shape regional and national political dynamics, as parties test their strength in key battlegrounds.
