New Delhi: A crucial day in Indian politics unfolds as voting begins in the Assembly elections of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal today, with millions heading to polling booths amid unprecedented security arrangements.
Polling is being held from 7 AM to 6 PM, with Tamil Nadu witnessing a single-phase election across all 234 constituencies. The state has over 5.73 crore voters, with 4,023 candidates contesting and more than 75,000 polling booths set up.
Top political leaders and celebrities, including Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, actor-politician Vijay, Union Minister L. Murugan, and film icons Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, along with music legend Ilaiyaraaja, are among those casting their votes.
Security has been ramped up significantly, with 300 companies of central forces and nearly 84,000 police personnel deployed to ensure peaceful polling.
In West Bengal, the first phase of voting is underway in 152 constituencies across 16 districts, with 1,478 candidates in the race. Sensitive areas, especially Murshidabad, are under tight watch, while international border regions near Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh are being closely monitored.
The ruling All India Trinamool Congress is aiming for a fourth straight term, while the Bharatiya Janata Party hopes to expand its foothold with an aggressive campaign.
With high voter turnout expected and stakes at their peak, both states are witnessing a decisive moment in India’s democratic process.
