Over 56% turnout in Tamil Nadu by 1 PM; West Bengal and bypoll states witness steady participation
Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu emerged as a key highlight in the first phase of polling on April 23, recording a strong voter turnout of 56.81 per cent by 1 pm, according to the Election Commission of India, even as voting progressed across multiple states under tight security.
Polling began at 7 am across 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, where over 5.73 crore voters are eligible to decide the fate of 4,000-plus candidates. The contest remains largely centred between the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led front, with Chief Minister M K Stalin seeking another term and Edappadi K Palaniswami aiming for a comeback.
Region-wise trends show particularly high participation in western districts. Tiruppur led with 62.97 per cent turnout, followed by Namakkal (62.51 per cent), Erode (61.79 per cent), and Salem (61.42 per cent). Meanwhile, Chennai recorded a moderate 54.58 per cent, reflecting typical urban voting patterns.
At the same time, West Bengal commenced its first phase of Assembly elections across 152 constituencies, covering northern and select southern regions, with around 3.60 crore voters eligible to cast their ballots. The contest is primarily between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Additionally, bypolls in Maharashtra’s Baramati and Rahuri, along with Gujarat’s Umreth seat, added to the day’s political weight, drawing attention due to localised high-stakes contests.
Importantly, authorities reported largely peaceful polling across all regions, supported by heavy deployment of security forces and strict monitoring mechanisms.
As the day progresses, turnout figures are expected to rise further, especially in urban centres where voting typically picks up later.
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