Assembly Election 2026 Live Updates: 'Barrackpore paving way for change in Bengal' - PM Modi holds mega rally on the last day of campaigning
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  • Assembly Election 2026 Live Updates: 'Barrackpore paving way for change in Bengal' - PM Modi holds mega rally on the last day of campaigning
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Apr 27, 2026, 12:19:25 IST
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Assembly Election 2026 Live Updates: 'Barrackpore paving way for change in Bengal' - PM Modi holds mega rally on the last day of campaigning

Polling for Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and phase 1 of the West Bengal assembly elections concluded on Thursday, witnessing unprecedented voter turnout and setting the stage for a closely watched electoral contest. According to the Election Commission of India, West Bengal recorded a turnout of 91.91%, while Tamil Nadu registered 84.80%, both significantly higher than their 2021 figures of 85.2% and 76.6%, respectively.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar described the turnout as the highest since Independence in both states and praised voters for their enthusiastic participation, calling it a celebration of democracy. The polling process concluded at 6 pm under tight security arrangements, with large voter participation reported across urban and rural constituencies alike.

District-wise data reflected strong engagement. In West Bengal, Dakshin Dinajpur led with 94.85%, followed by Cooch Behar, Birbhum, Jalpaiguri, and Murshidabad, all recording over 90% turnout. Tamil Nadu also saw high participation, with Karur, Salem, Dharmapuri, Erode, and Namakkal among the top-performing districts.

Despite the high turnout, political parties have offered contrasting interpretations. The AIADMK termed the voter surge in Tamil Nadu as evidence of strong anti-incumbency against the DMK government, claiming it reflects public dissatisfaction and signals a possible political shift. The party also credited the Election Commission for ensuring a largely peaceful polling process.

On the other hand, the DMK rejected the anti-incumbency narrative, arguing that the rise in turnout is part of a long-term trend driven by increasing voter numbers and changes in electoral rolls, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Party leaders maintained that the turnout figures are not unusual and should not be overinterpreted politically.

In West Bengal, BJP leaders expressed confidence in securing a decisive mandate, linking the high turnout to voter support for change. Statements from party leaders suggested expectations of significant electoral gains, adding to the intensity of the political contest in the state.

Meanwhile, by-elections in Gujarat and Maharashtra recorded comparatively lower turnout levels, indicating varying degrees of voter engagement across regions.

With Phase 1 now complete, attention turns to the remaining phases in West Bengal and the counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The high turnout has intensified political rhetoric across parties, with each camp interpreting the numbers to its advantage. As campaigning continues in pending constituencies, the focus will remain on voter sentiment, alliances, and ground-level mobilisation, all of which will play a crucial role in determining the final outcome of Election 2026.
11:29 (IST) Apr 24
West Bengal Election 2026 Live Updates: Amit Shah addresses press conference in Kolkata after Phase 1 polling
Union home minister Amit Shah is addressing a press conference in Kolkata on Friday, following the high voter turnout recorded in Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

The interaction comes a day after the state witnessed massive participation, with polling touching over 91%, marking one of the highest turnouts in recent elections.
11:24 (IST) Apr 24
West Bengal Election 2026 Live Updates: Mamata Banerjee vows to ‘conquer Delhi’, intensifies attack on BJP
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a sharp political attack on the BJP, asserting that her party would not only retain power in the state but also challenge the party at the national level.

Addressing a rally in Chowringhee, she said she would “conquer Delhi” after securing victory in the Bengal Assembly polls.

Banerjee alleged that the BJP had strategically placed individuals in positions of influence, claiming she had identified those “acting as brokers” for the party. She maintained that the BJP does not have the capacity to defeat her party, adding that the Trinamool Congress fights against injustice and for people’s rights.

In a strong statement, she said her goal was not power but the “dismantling” of the BJP at the Centre by uniting Opposition parties. The Chowringhee seat will go to polls in Phase 2 on April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
11:19 (IST) Apr 24
Election 2026 Live: Sanjay Raut flags SIR, alleges BJP role behind high turnout in WB and TN
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday reacted to the high voter turnout in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, saying the surge reflects a strong wave of participation but also raised concerns over underlying factors.

He said, “It is true that a storm came and this type of voting happened,” adding that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise may have contributed to the higher turnout. Raut maintained that high voter participation is ultimately positive for democracy.

However, he also levelled allegations against the BJP, claiming that government resources were used to mobilise people into West Bengal, including individuals whose voter status was unclear.
11:11 (IST) Apr 24
Election 2026 Live: Sanjay Seth links high turnout to public anger, predicts BJP win in Bengal and Tamil Nadu
Union minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth on Friday said the high voter turnout in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu reflects the strength of Indian democracy and growing public participation. Praising the Election Commission, he said its efforts ensured free and fair polling, leading to increased voter engagement.

However, Seth linked the surge in turnout to public anger, particularly in West Bengal. He alleged that issues such as unemployment, migration of youth, crimes against women, and poor law and order had fuelled resentment against the Mamata Banerjee government.

Extending his remarks to Tamil Nadu, he claimed women voters were upset with the ruling DMK, especially over what he described as betrayal on the Women’s Reservation Bill. Seth asserted that this dissatisfaction would translate into electoral gains, expressing confidence that the BJP would secure a clear and “massive” majority in both states.
10:22 (IST) Apr 24
West Bengal Election 2026 Live Updates: Mamata Banerjee launches sharp attack on BJP, vows bigger political fight
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a strong attack on the BJP, accusing it of influencing administrative appointments in the state. Speaking in Kolkata, she alleged that individuals aligned with the BJP had been placed in key roles, claiming, “The names of all those who are working for BJP are listed… you've brought in people based on their BJP background.”

Banerjee asserted that her party would continue to resist what she called injustice, adding that the BJP does not have the capacity to defeat them in the state. Emphasising her roots, she said, “I was born in Bengal and will die in Bengal.”

In a politically charged remark, the Trinamool Congress chief also said that the fight would extend beyond the state, stating that after winning in Bengal, the focus would shift to challenging the BJP at the national level as well.
10:10 (IST) Apr 24
West Bengal Election 2026 Live Updates: Amit Shah hails record turnout, calls it ‘dawn of new era’
Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday congratulated voters in West Bengal for their “historic participation” in Phase 1 polling, which saw a record turnout of 91.91%. In a post on X, he described the voting as a “grand festival of democracy” and praised people for coming out in large numbers.

Shah also commended the Election Commission, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and West Bengal Police for ensuring what he called one of the most peaceful and secure polling processes in the state’s history.

“This heralds the dawn of a new era of good governance in Bengal,” he said, linking the high turnout to expectations of political change as the state heads into the second phase of polling on April 29.
10:01 (IST) Apr 24
"Apnara naam tulte esechen? Vote dite parbo? (Have you come to enlist our names? Can we cast our votes?)" — these were the cries that greeted TOI as hundreds of deleted voters mobbed this correspondent at Mothabari on polling day.

Only in the first week of this month, this nondescript village made headlines after aggrieved voters held a group of judicial magistrates hostage for hours. Since then, Mothabari has seen a cascade of developments — an NIA probe, multiple arrests, deployment of CAPF and a relentless political blame game.
09:41 (IST) Apr 24
West Bengal Election 2026 Live Updates: EC issues strict post-poll guidelines for handling surveillance data
The Election Commission has issued fresh post-poll guidelines for the West Bengal Assembly elections, outlining strict procedures for handling surveillance cameras and video footage after voting. A senior official said SD cards from polling booth cameras cannot be removed immediately after polling ends. Instead, cameras must be dismounted and kept under the supervision of the sector officer.

The SD cards will only be removed at designated data collection centres in the presence of the Assistant Returning Officer. Officials have been directed to ensure that all video footage is securely preserved. Additionally, polling staff and Booth Level Officers will not be allowed to leave polling stations until the camera equipment is fully dismounted.

Meanwhile, preparations for Phase 2 are underway, with a trial run of webcasting scheduled to begin at 10 am on Friday in three shifts. The next phase of polling in the 294-member assembly will take place on April 29, with counting set for May 4.
09:37 (IST) Apr 24
Election 2026 Live: PM Modi shares more Hooghly moments, captures Vidyasagar Setu and Howrah Bridge
09:31 (IST) Apr 24
Election 2026 Live: PM Modi visits Hooghly riverbank, meets locals during Kolkata stop
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared glimpses from his visit to Kolkata, where he spent time along the banks of the Hooghly river. In a post on X, he highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of the Ganga for the people of West Bengal.

“For every Bengali, the Ganga occupies a very special place… Her divine waters carry the timeless spirit of an entire civilisation,” he wrote. Modi said he took the opportunity to express gratitude to Maa Ganga during his visit.

He also interacted with boatmen and morning walkers, praising their hardworking nature. During the visit, the Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to the development of West Bengal and the prosperity of its people, as political activity continues in the state following Phase 1 polling.
08:53 (IST) Apr 24
West Bengal Election 2026 Live Updates: Dilip Ghosh says high turnout reflects ‘free and fair’ voting environment
Reacting to the 91.91% voter turnout in Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly elections, BJP candidate from Kharagpur, Dilip Ghosh, said the high participation shows that people were finally able to vote freely.

He claimed that voters in the state have always been politically aware but were previously prevented from casting their ballots. According to him, the Election Commission ensured a secure and peaceful environment this time, which led to the surge in turnout.

Ghosh also alleged that earlier elections were affected by intimidation, adding that “only after the goons and police were neutralised did we see successful voting.” He said the reduced violence during polling was a positive sign and expressed confidence that the results would bring a “major change,” asserting that the BJP would form a majority government in the state.
08:10 (IST) Apr 24
West Bengal Election 2026 Live Updates: Over 90% turnout in several districts highlights intense voter participation
West Bengal witnessed exceptionally high voter participation across districts during Phase 1 polling, with several regions crossing the 90% mark. Dakshin Dinajpur recorded the highest turnout at 94.85%, followed by Cooch Behar at 94.54%, Birbhum at 93.70%, Jalpaiguri at 93.23%, and Murshidabad at 92.93%.

The consistently high figures across districts underline strong grassroots engagement and enthusiasm among voters. Polling was conducted under strict security arrangements and concluded without major disruptions. With more phases yet to take place, the high turnout in the first phase has intensified political narratives and expectations in the state.
08:10 (IST) Apr 24
West Bengal Election 2026 Live Updates: BJP confident of sweeping victory after high turnout
Following the high voter turnout of 91.91% in West Bengal’s Phase 1 polling, BJP leaders have expressed strong confidence in securing a decisive mandate. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the party expects to win up to 200 seats in the state, linking the high turnout to voter support for change.

He also alleged that those who attacked BJP workers would be held accountable after the party comes to power. The remarks come amid heightened political activity in the state, where multiple districts recorded turnout above 90%, indicating strong voter mobilisation.
08:10 (IST) Apr 24
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live Updates: DMK dismisses claims, says turnout rise is ‘normal trend’
DMK spokesperson Sarvana Annadurai rejected claims that the high voter turnout reflects anti-incumbency, arguing instead that it is part of a long-term trend linked to rising voter numbers. He said the increase in polling percentage is influenced by factors like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which altered voter rolls, and population growth over the years.

Annadurai pointed out that voter participation has steadily increased in every election cycle since 2001, suggesting that the current figures are not unusual. He also criticised attempts to politicise the turnout, stating that such numbers should be viewed in context rather than used to draw premature political conclusions.
08:09 (IST) Apr 24
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live Updates: AIADMK claims turnout surge reflects anti-incumbency wave
Reacting to the 84.80% voter turnout in Tamil Nadu, AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan said the high participation indicates a strong anti-incumbency sentiment against the ruling DMK government. He argued that the increase in votes compared to previous elections shows that more people have come out to express dissatisfaction with the current administration.

Sathyan also highlighted that several constituencies, including traditional strongholds, recorded turnout figures above 85–90%, suggesting a shift in voter mood. He credited the Election Commission for ensuring largely peaceful polling and claimed that the pattern of voting points towards a significant political change in the state.
08:09 (IST) Apr 24
Election 2026 Live: Record voter turnout in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal marks strong start to polls
Phase 1 of the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal concluded on April 23 with record-breaking voter participation, signalling a highly engaged electorate. According to the Election Commission of India, West Bengal recorded an impressive 91.91% turnout, while Tamil Nadu registered 84.80%.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar termed this the highest-ever polling percentage since Independence in both states, calling it a strong reflection of democratic participation. Polling was conducted under tight security and concluded peacefully across most constituencies. The high turnout, significantly above 2021 levels, has set the tone for a closely watched electoral battle, with political parties now drawing early conclusions from the numbers.
Polling for Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and phase 1 of the West Bengal assembly elections concluded on Thursday with record-breaking voter participation, setting the tone for a high-stakes electoral battle. West Bengal recorded a turnout of 91.91%, significantly higher than Tamil Nadu’s 84.80%, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar termed it the highest-ever turnout since Independence, calling it a strong reflection of democratic engagement.

Several districts in West Bengal crossed the 90% mark, while Tamil Nadu also saw robust participation across key constituencies. Compared to the 2021 elections, both states recorded a sharp increase in voter turnout, underlining heightened political mobilisation and public interest.

However, political reactions to the turnout have been sharply divided. AIADMK leaders attributed the surge in Tamil Nadu to strong anti-incumbency against the ruling DMK, while DMK leaders dismissed such claims, arguing the percentage rise is linked to changes in voter rolls and long-term trends.

In West Bengal, BJP leaders expressed confidence of a sweeping victory, linking the high turnout to public support. With polling for remaining phases in Bengal scheduled later and counting set for May 4, the focus now shifts to post-poll narratives, alliances, and voter sentiment shaping the final outcome.