Assembly Election 2026 Live Updates: People know only BJP can clean up the way TMC destroyed Bengal, says Kiren Rijiju

Assembly Election 2026 Live Updates: 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.