Story perspectives

India Votes: BJP Targets Bengal, Tamil Nadu Polls Begin

4/23/2026

Summary

India Votes

India began voting on April 23, 2026, in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
West Bengal opened polls for 152 of 294 seats, with a phase on April 29 to cover 142.
Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal reported nearly 36 million eligible voters and 8,000 supersensitive polling stations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP aims to unseat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Tamil Nadu’s DMK-AIADMK race, with the BJP as junior ally, will announce results on May 4.

Summary

Vijay Launches Party

Around 240,000 central security forces were deployed in West Bengal, with bullet-proof vehicles patrolling poll districts.
Manoj Kumar Agarwal said liquor sales at 1,200-1,300 shops rose 30-240 % during the election, warning against voter sway.
West Bengal tribunals are hearing three million appeals from voters removed in the Special Intensive Revision, with 139 cleared last minute.
Actor-turned-politician Vijay launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a third contender alongside DMK, AIADMK and BJP.

History

Historical Context

The 2014 Indian general election, held from April 7 to May 12, marked a pivotal moment in India's political landscape. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 282 seats, securing the largest majority since 1984, amidst a record voter turnout of 66.38% from over 834 million eligible voters. This election intensified rivalries, particularly with regional parties like Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.

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India Votes

India began voting on April 23, 2026, in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
West Bengal opened polls for 152 of 294 seats, with a phase on April 29 to cover 142.
Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal reported nearly 36 million eligible voters and 8,000 supersensitive polling stations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP aims to unseat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Tamil Nadu’s DMK-AIADMK race, with the BJP as junior ally, will announce results on May 4.

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