Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: 'Tamil Nadu will repent if it votes for NDA,' says Kejriwal as he campaigns for MK Stalin
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  • Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: 'Tamil Nadu will repent if it votes for NDA,' says Kejriwal as he campaigns for MK Stalin
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Apr 20, 2026, 23:02:38 IST
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Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: 'Tamil Nadu will repent if it votes for NDA,' says Kejriwal as he campaigns for MK Stalin

Ongoing election cycle is witnessing heightened political activity and strategic positioning across states, particularly in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
West Bengal: Voter boost and high-stakes contest

The Election Commission’s addition of nearly seven lakh voters has significantly expanded the electorate to over 6.82 crore. While this reflects increased voter participation, the absence of detailed demographic data has drawn attention.

The political contest remains intense, especially in constituencies like Tollygunj, where long-time TMC leader Aroop Biswas faces a tougher challenge than in previous elections. Issues such as voter roll revisions, controversies, and a more unified opposition have made the race more competitive.

Campaign rhetoric has also intensified, with BJP leaders highlighting governance and law-and-order issues, while the TMC seeks to retain its stronghold built in the 2021 elections.


In Tamil Nadu, the campaign has entered its final and most aggressive phase ahead of the single-phase polling on April 23. The main contest is between the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-BJP combine.

Rahul Gandhi has positioned the election as a broader ideological struggle, alleging that the BJP aims to dominate Tamil Nadu politics through its alliance. Meanwhile, AIADMK leaders claim public anger against the DMK government will translate into electoral gains.

A major flashpoint has been Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation, which opposition parties have criticised as politically motivated. Leaders across parties alleged that the speech violated democratic norms and should be treated as campaign expenditure under the Model Code of Conduct.

Key Takeaways
Overall, the elections are shaping into a crucial political test, with high voter turnout, strong narratives, and sharp political exchanges expected to influence the final outcome.
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The election landscape across key states has intensified, with major political developments shaping the narrative ahead of polling.

In West Bengal, the Election Commission has added around seven lakh new voters to the electoral rolls, taking the total electorate to over 6.82 crore. A significant portion of these voters will participate in the first phase of polling, with the remainder voting in the second phase. However, the poll body has not yet disclosed detailed demographic data, including age and gender break-up, raising questions among observers. Voting in the state will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with results on May 4.

Meanwhile, political campaigning has intensified sharply. BJP leaders, including Yogi Adityanath, have targeted the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) over law and order and alleged infiltration issues, while highlighting governance models in BJP-ruled states.

In Tamil Nadu, the election battle has reached a peak, with key leaders trading sharp political attacks. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi framed the contest as an ideological fight, accusing the BJP of attempting to control the state through its alliance with AIADMK. On the other hand, AIADMK leaders expressed confidence of a victory, citing public dissatisfaction with the ruling DMK government.

The broader political environment has also been marked by controversy after opposition leaders criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national address, calling it politically motivated and alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

Overall, the elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are shaping into high-stakes contests, with voter mobilisation, alliances, and political narratives expected to play decisive roles.