Polling got under way in two key Indian states on Thursday, with West Bengal and Tamil Nadu witnessing high-stakes Assembly elections that could significantly influence regional political dynamics.
Voting began at 7am across 152 of West Bengal’s 294 constituencies in the first phase, where the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is engaged in a direct contest with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reports India Today.
After weeks of intense, high-decibel campaigning, voters turned out early in both states. In West Bengal, long queues were seen at several polling stations within the first hour, as nearly 3.6 crore voters are expected to cast their ballots in this phase.
Tamil Nadu has also recorded a steady turnout, with around 5.67 crore eligible voters participating in the electoral process.
Officials expect a high level of voter participation in both states as polling continues.
