After weeks of intense campaigning, voting has begun in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, marking a crucial phase in the 2026 Assembly elections. In West Bengal, polling started at 7 am across 152 constituencies in the first phase, covering more than half of the state’s total 294 seats. The contest in Bengal is largely seen as a direct and high-stakes face-off between the ruling Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Early hours witnessed long queues at polling

Voting is currently underway in two of India’s most politically significant states, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, as part of the 2026 Assembly elections. Polling began today at 7:00 am and is scheduled to continue until 6:00 pm, following early mock polling exercises conducted at select locations such as Chennai and Siliguri to ensure the readiness of voting systems. Officials have reported smooth initial operations, with voter turnout expected to build steadily throughout the day. The electoral process differs between the two states. Tamil Nadu is conducting voting in a single phase, meaning voters across the state will determine the next government simultaneously. In contrast, West Bengal is following a two-phase format, with the second phase scheduled for April 29. Results for both states, along with ongoing bypolls in other regions, will be declared on May 4. In Tamil Nadu, the contest is primarily between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the NDA bloc led by AIADMK. The DMK alliance includes Congress, DMDK, and VCK, while AIADMK is aligned with BJP and PMK. However, this election cycle introduces a notable shift with the political entry of Vijay and his party TVK. His debut adds a third dimension to what has traditionally been a two-front contest, potentially altering voting patterns and outcomes. West Bengal presents an equally intense political environment. The ruling Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is seeking a fourth consecutive term in power. The BJP, which significantly expanded its presence in the previous election by securing 77 seats, is aiming to build on that momentum and challenge the incumbent leadership more aggressively. Beyond these two major states, bypolls are also being conducted in Gujarat’s Umreth and Maharashtra’s Baramati and Rahuri constituencies. These results will be announced alongside the main election outcomes, adding further political significance to the day’s voting activity.

Chennai: The intense campaign for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 will come to an end today, marking the start of the mandatory silent period ahead of voting scheduled on April 23. Over the past few weeks, the state has witnessed a high-energy political battle, with top national and regional leaders holding rallies, roadshows, and public meetings across all 234 constituencies. Prominent leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress le

Chennai: Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, made a strong final appeal to voters ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026, urging them to support his party’s “Whistle” symbol. Addres

The Election Commission of India has completed extensive preparations for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, ensuring strict monitoring and security across the state. Surveillance teams have been deployed in all constituencies and are working round the clock to maintain law and order. Authorities have seized cash, liquor, narcotics and gift items worth Rs 1212.74 crore during the enforcement drive, although a portion of the seized cash was later returned after verification. The final electoral rolls show over 5.73 crore voters, including more than 2.93 crore women, who are expected to cast their votes at over 75,000 polling stations across the state. A public holiday has been declared on polling day to encourage voter participation. Employers have been directed to grant leave even to shift-based and casual workers, including those working outside their constituencies, so they can exercise their franchise. Liquor outlets across the state and bordering regions will remain closed from April 21 to April 23, and again on the counting day, May 4, as part of measures to ensure free and fair elections. To strengthen election integrity, over 7,000 micro observers have been deployed at sensitive polling stations. These teams will function under the supervision of general, police and expenditure observers appointed for all 234 constituencies. Additionally, nearly 84,000 police personnel and more than 40,000 non-police staff have been assigned election duties. The Union Home Ministry has also provided 300 companies of CAPF personnel to enhance security coverage across districts. Officials have emphasized that these arrangements are aimed at ensuring a transparent and peaceful voting process. With strict enforcement, widespread monitoring and administrative readiness, authorities expect a smooth polling day with strong voter participation across Tamil Nadu.

A major cash seizure was reported in Perambalur, where authorities recovered nearly ₹2.5 crore in unaccounted money during a late-night vehicle inspection. The operation was part of routine checks amid heightened vigilance in the region. Officials intercepted a car during the inspection and discovered a substantial amount of cash concealed inside. T

N. Chandrababu Naidu marked his birthday with intense political activity, choosing to campaign in Tamil Nadu for the National Democratic Alliance instead of celebrating the occasion. The veteran leader arrived in Coimbatore, where he received a strong reception from supporters and members of the Telugu community, signaling the growing momentum of the NDA campaign ahead of the Assembly elections. Continuing his schedule, Naidu interacted with local leaders and key political figures, holding discussions on electoral strategy and regional issues. His visit reflects a broader push by the NDA to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu, with Naidu playing an active role in mobilizing support. His decision to campaign on his birthday highlights his commitment to political work and alliance responsibilities. During his address, Naidu criticized the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for opposing the delimitation bill, stating that the move could negatively impact southern states in the future. He argued that the bill was intended to address concerns arising from population-based seat allocation and warned that resistance to it could harm the region’s political representation. Naidu’s remarks came as he took a firm stance in support of the delimitation proposal, even while speaking in a region where the issue remains politically sensitive. He emphasized that such reforms are necessary to ensure balanced representation and long-term benefits for states in South India. Following his engagements in Coimbatore, Naidu is expected to continue his campaign in Chennai, where he will participate in roadshows and public meetings. His active involvement underlines the NDA’s strategy to intensify outreach efforts in the state ahead of the polls. With his continued presence on the ground and focus on key political issues, Naidu’s campaign signals a determined push by the NDA to make inroads in Tamil Nadu. His efforts are likely to play a significant role in shaping the alliance’s performance in the upcoming elections.

The divorce case involving Vijay and his wife Sangeetha has been postponed once again, with the Chengalpattu Family Welfare Court deferring the next hearing to June 15. The case came up for hearing on April 20 before Judge Sasikala, but after a brief session, the court decided to adjourn the matter. This m

In the heart of Chennai’s bustling T Nagar, the atmosphere was electric as Tamil cinema’s iconic superstar Vijay, also known as "Thalapathy," transformed a political rally into a cinematic spectacle. This wasn’t just another election campaign; it was an event that blurred the lines between cinema and politics, captivating both his fans and political observers alike. With Vijay leading the charge for the Tamil Nadu political party, TVK, the streets of T Nagar became a stage for what coul

MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has intensified his protests against the Centre’s proposed delimitation move, burning a copy of the bill and hoisting a black flag. This move is part of a broader statewide agitation initiated by Stalin, who has termed the proposed delimitation as a direct attack on Tamil rights and federalism. In a symbolic gesture of defiance, Stalin called the bill a "black law" and urged widespread resistance across Tamil Nadu. The protest was spark

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin laid out an ambitious roadmap for the state’s development, aiming to transform Tamil Nadu into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030. This vision is backed by the ‘Dravidian Model’ of governance, which has already set the state on a path of rapid industrial and economic growth. Tamil Nadu is expected to play a pivotal role in India’s economic future, with targets such as attracting investments worth ₹18 lakh crore, increasing exports t

In a major technological twist to election campaigning, actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam have introduced hologram-based outreach to connect with voters across Tamil Nadu. With elections approaching, the party is using life-sized 3D projections of Vijay to overcome the ch

South Indian politics has seen many cinema superstars enter the political arena, with varying degrees of success. Pawan Kalyan, however, stands out as a rare example of a superstar who has managed to make his mark in politics. Currently, Tamil Nadu actor Thalapathy Vijay is contesting the upcoming assembly election through his TVK party, actively campaigning across the state. Despite his efforts, the final outcome and public sentiment remain uncertain. Recently, during an interactio

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami has called for respect for the late M G Ramachandran (MGR), rejecting comparisons between the actor-politician and current actor-politician Vijay. Speaking at a rally in Tamil Nadu, Palaniswami emphasized that MGR should not be compared with Vijay, who heads the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). He stressed that MGR was regarded as a "god" by AIADMK supporters, not only for his political leadership but also for his humanitarian work. Pa

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come a long way in Tamil Nadu, evolving from a marginal player to a growing force that now actively shapes the state’s political landscape. Historically dominated by regional powers such as the AIADMK and DMK, Tamil Nadu politics has seen a shift in recent years with BJP gaining more influence. The party's rise in Tamil Nadu is largely attributed to its well-crafted strategies, focus on key issues that resonate with the people, and a strong leadership pr

Amid growing rumours surrounding Vijay Thalapathy and Trisha Krishnan, the actress took to social media to share a series of cryptic posts about peace, love, and self-worth. As the Tamil Nadu elections approach, the speculation around her personal life, especially her reported connection with Vijay, has intensified. Trisha, who had been relatively quiet in recent days, sparked fresh discussions with her latest online activity. In a video shared on Instagram, Trisha posted a powerful

R Sabarinathan, the 30-year-old TVK candidate for Virgumbakkam, shared a deeply emotional moment during the announcement of his candidacy, which went viral across social media. The video, captured at the event on March 29, shows Sabarinathan breaking down in tears as he takes the stage. Actor-turned-politician Vijay, who has been a long-time mentor and supporter of Sabarinathan, comforted him by wiping his tears and giving him a heartfelt hug. The moment was particularly poignant as Sabarinat

Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar has recently raised awareness about a fake social media account impersonating her husband, director Sundar C, who recently made his political debut. This came after BJP state president Nainar Nagendran tagged the unverified account of Sundar C in a post, prompting Khushbu to clarify the situation. She immediately warned her followers by sharing the photo on her own X handle, making it clear that Sundar C does not have an official social media presence as of now

Thalapathy Vijay, a renowned South Indian superstar, has officially entered Tamil Nadu politics, following a growing trend of film personalities transitioning to political careers. His party, the Tamil Maanila Congress (TVK), is gearing up for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, where Vijay is contesting from both the Perambur and Trichy East constituencies. In a crucial development, Vijay submitted his electoral affidavit today, revealing a significant asset portfolio totaling ₹520 cror

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has unveiled the DMK’s election manifesto ahead of the April 23 Assembly polls, doubling down on welfare schemes while trying to position the state as a growth engine. The announcement, made in Chennai, signals a clear strategy: retain voter loyalty through direct benefits while promising economic expansion. The headline move is obvious and targeted