Battleground 2026: Tamil Nadu and Bengal set for high-stakes polls tomorrow

CHENNAI/KOLKATA – Voting will be held tomorrow, April 23, in all 234 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu and 152 constituencies in the first phase of the West Bengal elections. Public campaigning concluded yesterday evening, leaving the fate of the candidates in the hands of the electorate.

In West Bengal, the 152 seats in this opening phase are spread across key districts in North and South Bengal. Voting for the remaining 142 constituencies is scheduled for April 29. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu will complete its polling in a single, massive phase.

Three-way tussle in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has witnessed one of its most intense campaigns to date, evolving from a traditional two-front war into a high-octane three-way contest.

• SPA: The DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance is seeking a second consecutive term. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has centred the campaign on the government's welfare schemes and "Dravidian Model" of governance. The front includes the Congress, CPM, CPI, and VCK.
• NDA: Led by the AIADMK in alliance with the BJP, the NDA has focused its attacks on alleged corruption within the DMK ministry and law-and-order concerns. The PMK remains a significant partner in this coalition.
• TVK Factor: Making its electoral debut, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, has emerged as a major disruptor. Eschewing traditional alliances, TVK has fielded candidates across all 234 seats, positioning itself as a "clean" alternative to the established Dravidian majors.

Fierce fight in West Bengal

The political temperature in West Bengal remains at a boiling point as the BJP continues its push to oust the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which has held power since 2011.

On the final day of campaigning, top brass from all parties made their closing pitches. The TMC campaign remains heavily centred on the charisma of Mamata Banerjee, while the BJP has deployed its full national strength.

Key candidates in Phase 1:

• Suvendu Adhikari (BJP): Contesting from the high-profile Nandigram seat.
• Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Congress): Seeking to hold his ground in Behrampur.