Assembly election highlights: All set for high-stake contest in Bengal, Tamil Nadu
Assembly election highlights: Polling for 152 seats in West Bengal begins April 23 alongside Tamil Nadu; counting on May 4 will cover Kerala, Assam and Puducherry, with Bengal’s second phase set for April 29.
Assembly election highlights: At a poll rally in Dum Dum, Amit Shah said he wants to tell Rahul Gandhi that the Congress will not be able to open its account in Bengal. He also urged voters to back an “infiltrator-free Bengal,” saying the election is not about choosing an MLA or forming a BJP government, but about the state’s future. ...Read More
Campaigning for the Tamil Nadu and West Bengal Assembly elections ended on Tuesday, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) mounting a strong push to break into Opposition strongholds in the southern and eastern regions.
Polling for the first phase of 152 seats in West Bengal will be held on April 23, alongside voting in Tamil Nadu. Counting of votes will take place on May 4 in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry, while the second phase of polling in West Bengal is scheduled for April 29.
In the past week, campaigning in the two states had centred around the Constitution Amendment Bill, which had aimed to expand the Lok Sabha to implement 33% reservation for women but failed to garner the required two-thirds majority.
Kharge's ‘terrorist’ remark spars row
Addressing a rally in Tamil Nadu in support of the DMK-led alliance, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge triggered a national firestorm by initially referring to Prime Minister Modi as a "terrorist who does not believe in equality."
Facing immediate backlash from the NDA camp, Kharge later issued a clarification, though he maintained his aggressive stance.
"He [PM Modi] is terrorising people and political parties. I never said he is a terrorist in the literal sense... What I mean is that Modi always threatens. The ED, I-T, and CBI are in his hands. He wants to take everything into his hands," Kharge said.
Mamata says ‘no one wants BJP’
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asserted that the TMC will return to power in the state for the fourth consecutive term, claiming that "no one wants the BJP to form government".
Addressing a poll rally at Haldia in Purba Medinipur district, Banerjee also urged opposition parties to come together to oust the BJP-led NDA government from the Centre.
"The BJP will not win the elections in West Bengal this time. The Trinamool Congress will again form the government. We will also throw out the BJP from Delhi in 2026 itself," Banerjee asserted.
Amit Shah launches attacks on Mamata
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government over women's safety in West Bengal, citing incidents in Sandeshkhali, RG Kar Medical College, Durgapur Medical College and South Kolkata Law College, alleging a breakdown of law and order in the state.
Addressing a public rally in Salboni, West Medinipur, Shah said the BJP would take strict action against those accused of crimes against women once voted to power.
TVK's Vijay makes final appeal to voters
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Tuesday made a final appeal to voters ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections, urging them to support his party's "Whistle" symbol.
In a message shared on X, Vijay addressed the voters as his "own kin" and thanking them for their continued support since his entry into politics. Positioning himself as a people-centric leader, he alleged that his party has faced sustained pressure from political opponents.
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- Apr 22, 2026 11:02 pm IST
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The live updates to the blog are closed.
- Apr 22, 2026 09:04 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: TMC attacks Amit Shah over mispronouncing Satyendranath Dutta, calls him ‘Bangla-birodhi bohiragoto’
Assembly election LIVE updates: Trinamool Congress on Wednesday slammed Amit Shah for mispronouncing the name of Bengali poet Satyendranath Dutta, calling him a “Bangla-birodhi bohiragoto”.
- Apr 22, 2026 08:40 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: BJP’s Nitin Nabin accuses TMC MPs of insulting ‘Vande Mataram’
Assembly election LIVE updates: Nitin Nabin on Wednesday accused Trinamool Congress MPs of insulting “Vande Mataram”, asserting that the national song shares an “unbreakable” bond with the BJP.
During his campaign, he said the people of West Bengal would vote out those who do not respect “Vande Mataram”.
- Apr 22, 2026 07:40 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: Siliguri on high alert ahead of Bengal polls
- Apr 22, 2026 07:22 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: Tiruchirappalli gears up for April 23 Tamil Nadu polls
- Apr 22, 2026 04:43 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: 129 ‘red alert’ seats in Bengal polls as candidates with criminal cases rise, says report
Assembly election LIVE updates: In the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, 129 constituencies have been flagged as “red alert”, meaning three or more candidates contesting from these seats have declared criminal cases against themselves.
This marks a 17 per cent increase compared to the 2021 polls, according to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms.
The ADR analysed affidavits of 2,920 candidates and found that 683 (23 per cent) have declared criminal cases, while 589 (20 per cent) face serious charges.
In comparison, during the 2021 Assembly elections, 528 out of 2,130 candidates (25 per cent) had declared criminal cases, with 431 (20 per cent) facing serious charges.
- Apr 22, 2026 04:09 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: Asansol Uttar set for polls as teams leave with EVMs ahead of April 23 voting
- Apr 22, 2026 03:00 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: Amit Shah tells Rahul Gandhi Congress won’t open account in Bengal
Assembly election LIVE updates: At a poll rally in Dum Dum, Amit Shah said he wants to tell Rahul Gandhi that the Congress will not be able to open its account in Bengal. He also urged voters to back an “infiltrator-free Bengal,” saying the election is not about choosing an MLA or forming a BJP government, but about the state’s future.
- Apr 22, 2026 02:51 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: Amit Shah promises ₹3,000 monthly aid for women, unemployed; free bus rides in Bengal
- Apr 22, 2026 02:46 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: Amit Shah urges voters to back ‘infiltrator-free Bengal’ at Dum Dum rally
Assembly election LIVE updates: Addressing a poll rally in Dum Dum, Amit Shah called on people to vote for an “infiltrator-free Bengal,” saying the election is not about choosing an MLA or forming a BJP government, but about the state’s future.
- Apr 22, 2026 02:40 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: Amit Shah says Damdam Uttar voters will ‘make the lotus bloom’ on May 4
Assembly election LIVE updates: Amit Shah said, "In May 4, the residents of Damdam Uttar Assembly constituency have resolved with determination to make the lotus bloom... The residents of Damdam Uttar Assembly constituency have resolved to make the lotus bloom on May 4".
- Apr 22, 2026 02:28 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: 300 security companies deployed in TN to ensure peaceful voting
Assembly election LIVE updates: State Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik on Wednesday confirmed that around 300 companies of security forces have been deployed across Tamil Nadu to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling as the state prepares to vote in a single phase on April 23.
"We are here to ensure a free, fair and transparent election. We have 300 companies in place, for which the deployment is done. We will ensure it is an election without any untoward incident," Patnaik said.
(ANI)
- Apr 22, 2026 01:55 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: Kejriwal express solidarity with Mamata ahead of Bengal polls
Assembly election LIVE updates: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday expressed solidarity with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for what he called "one of the most difficult battles" ahead of the upcoming assembly polls.
In a post on X, Kejriwal stated that he held a telephonic conversation with Banerjee and extended his unwavering support for her. Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "misusing all institutions," Kejriwal said that BJP will face defeat in the forthcoming polls.
- Apr 22, 2026 01:29 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: EVMs dispatched, polling staff deployed in TN
Assembly election LIVE updates: With just a day left for polling in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, large-scale preparations are underway in Tiruchirappalli district, with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other polling materials being transported to various booths in the constituency amid tight security arrangements.
Officials said that the deployment of polling personnel has commenced across all 2,787 polling stations in the district. Polling staff have been issued their appointment orders and have also cast their postal votes. They have been instructed to reach their respective booths and be fully prepared by 6 PM on Wednesday.
- Apr 22, 2026 01:06 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: Polling parties collect EVMs at Bankura University in Bengal
Assembly election LIVE updates: Preparations for the first phase of polling for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections, scheduled to be held on April 23, are underway in Bankura district.
Polling parties stationed at Bankura University are engaged in collecting Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other polling materials ahead of voting for Bankura and Chhatna Assembly constituencies. The distribution process is being carried out under the tight supervision of the district administration.
- Apr 22, 2026 12:34 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: EC seize cash, gold in TM ahead of assembly polls
Assembly election LIVE updates: Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik on Wednesday said the Election Commission has seized cash, gold, liquor and drugs worth ₹1,262 crore in the state, where elections are scheduled on April 23.
Cash amounting to ₹543 crore during vehicle checks by the surveillance teams. Addressing the media on the state's preparedness for the upcoming polls, Patnaik stated that 163 FIRs have been lodged in connection with various violations while the social media monitoring cell has ensured the removal of 2,180 URLs across different platforms.
- Apr 22, 2026 12:01 pm IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: EVMs moved to polling centres, 5.73 cr voters to decide fate of 4,023 candidates
Assembly election LIVE updates: Over 5.73 crore voters will decide the electoral fate of 4,023 candidates in fray for the crucial Tamil Nadu Assembly election on April 23.
Both the Dravidian majors - the DMK heading the SPA and the AIADMK leading the NDA in the state are pitted against each other in the high-stakes poll contest with the DMK making a frantic bid to retain power while the AIADMK is making attempts to return to power after being in the opposition for five years.
- Apr 22, 2026 11:19 am IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: ‘People of Bengal desire change’ says Congress leader slams TMC
Assembly election LIVE updates: Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Tuesday accused the TMC-led state government and BJP-led central government of failing to materialise development in West Bengal, ahead of the forthcoming assembly polls.
Speaking with the media here, Pilot said that the incumbent government in West Bengal has been entrusted by people several times, and alleged that the development still could not take place in over a decade.
- Apr 22, 2026 11:10 am IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: TMC MP alleges BJP arranged special trains from Surat to transport voters
Assembly election LIVE updates: TMC MP Derek O'Brien wrote to the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, alleging that the BJP arranged special trains from Surat to transport voters, violating election laws. The letter claims this amounts to bribery and undue influence, and seeks action, including notices, case
“This is nothing but a propaganda aimed to mobilize supporters in favour of BJP and to influence the electoral outcome,” TMC MP said in the letter. - Apr 22, 2026 10:46 am IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: EC released list of voters included in rolls ahead of assembly polls
Assembly election LIVE updates: Ahead of the first phase of the West Bengal assembly polls on Thursday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday released lists of voters included in the electoral roll after the Supreme Court-appointed appellate tribunals cleared them, and those deleted for the want of clearance.
“Two lists have been published for the first phase of polls. One comprises the names of voters included in the electoral roll after court-appointed appellate tribunals cleared them. The second one [list] comprises deleted voters,” said an ECI official.
- Apr 22, 2026 10:37 am IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: Senthil Balaji dismisses cash distribution allegations
Assembly election LIVE updates: Senthil Balaji, DMK candidate from Coimbatore South constituency, on Tuesday dismissed allegations of cash distribution for votes, asserting his commitment to a free and fair election process.
Speaking to reporters in Coimbatore, Balaji said, “If found, give a complaint to the Election Officer. We want a free and fair election, and we will win all 10 seats in Coimbatore district. We will win this South constituency with a huge margin.”
- Apr 22, 2026 10:13 am IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: Madhya Pradesh CM demands apology over Kharge's ‘terrorist’ remarks
Assembly election LIVE updates: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav demanded an apology from the Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge over his "terrorist" remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking to ANI, Yadav criticised Kharge's remarks targeted at PM Modi, further stressing that the Congress should reflect on its behaviour and conduct.
- Apr 22, 2026 09:47 am IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: Over dozen ED raids ahead of West Bengal polls
Assembly election LIVE updates: In the past month alone, according to details compiled by HT, the ED has mounted over a dozen operations, with officials in ED terming the crackdown crucial to unearth financial irregularities.
An ED officer, who didn’t want to be named, said “all of its action is in ongoing probes and has been taken by following due process”.
However, the ruling party in the state has said that the Bharatiya Janata Party has weaponised investigative agencies ahead of the assembly elections. Read more here.
- Apr 22, 2026 09:29 am IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: ‘Congress is hitting new lows,’ says Amit Shah over Kharge's remarks
Assembly election LIVE updates: Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "terrorist", alleging that the Congress party has hit new lows in its political conduct and continues to degrade public discourse.
In a post on X on Tuesday, the Home Minister said the Congress leadership had crossed all limits of political propriety with its comments, asserting that such statements bring shame to democratic institutions and insult the office of the Prime Minister.
- Apr 22, 2026 09:13 am IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: Bengal phase one polls to cover 152 seats, 3.60 crore voters to decide fate
Assembly election LIVE updates: The opening round of the two-phase election covers 152 of the state's 294 seats – including all 54 in north Bengal's eight districts and several in Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum and Hooghly.
More than 3.60 crore voters, including nearly 1.75 crore women, are eligible to exercise their franchise on Thursday. The Election Commission has deployed a record 2,450 companies of central forces, with more than 8,000 polling stations identified as highly sensitive.
- Apr 22, 2026 08:40 am IST
Assembly election LIVE updates: ‘Didn't call PM Modi terrorist, he is facilitating terrorism’, Kharge clarifies
Assembly election LIVE updates: Addressing a rally in support of the DMK-led alliance, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge triggered a national firestorm by initially referring to Prime Minister Modi as a "terrorist who does not believe in equality."
Facing immediate backlash from the NDA camp, Kharge later issued a clarification, though he maintained his aggressive stance. "He [PM Modi] is terrorising people and political parties. I never said he is a terrorist in the literal sense... What I mean is that Modi always threatens. The ED, I-T, and CBI are in his hands. He wants to take everything into his hands."