Tamil Nadu for record polling; Clashes in many places in West Bengal

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu is expected to have a record polling this time in the assembly elections. 60 percent polling was recorded till 3 pm. With this, it is expected to surpass the 73 percent figure of 2021 this time. It is expected that Chennai, which usually has a low turnout, will cross 80 percent this time. Active participation of voters can be seen across the state. High polling percentage is being reported in many districts.

A total of 4,023 candidates are in the fray in 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu. Major parties claim that the high turnout in the elections will be their advantage. The results of the elections, which will be crucial in Tamil Nadu politics, will be declared on May 4. The main contest is between the alliance led by the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the front led by the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Both the fronts have entered the contest by giving a chance to two-thirds of the existing MLAs. Tamil Nadu actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) is also active in the contest.

Meantime, 79 percent polling was recorded in West Bengal till 3 pm. Elections are being held in 152 of the total 294 constituencies today. Of these, 54 are located in eight districts of North Bengal. There are reports of violence in many places in West Bengal during the elections. There are allegations that the vehicle of BJP's sitting MLA Agnimitra Paul was attacked. A petrol bomb exploded during the elections in Murshidabad's Naoda. Several people were injured in the attack. Central agencies have already been deployed there considering the possibility of violence.