High Voter Turnout Marks West Bengal and Tamil Nadu Elections 2026

The elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have witnessed unprecedented voter turnout, with West Bengal reaching 92.56% and Tamil Nadu 85.14%. The BJP is aggressively campaigning in both states, raising issues of corruption and governance against the ruling parties. In West Bengal, the focus is on the TMC's alleged corruption, while in Tamil Nadu, the BJP is addressing family politics and Hindu identity. As the elections progress, the effectiveness of these strategies will be revealed on results day.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 24, 2026, 13:39 IST

Overview of the Elections

The initial phase of voting for the West Bengal Assembly elections took place on April 23, coinciding with the single-phase voting in Tamil Nadu. However, West Bengal is set for its second phase of voting on April 29. On April 23, voters in both states participated in large numbers, with Tamil Nadu recording an impressive voter turnout of 85.14%, the highest in its history. Similarly, West Bengal saw a remarkable turnout of 92.56%, marking a historic moment for the state.

Political Landscape in West Bengal

In West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is directly challenging the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The BJP has high expectations from this state, while in Tamil Nadu, it is contesting under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) banner alongside its ally, AIADMK. The BJP has adopted an aggressive strategy in both states, actively campaigning and seeking votes from the public. Let's explore the key issues the BJP is raising to penetrate the strongholds of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

Key Issues Raised by BJP in West Bengal

West Bengal is where the BJP is most aggressively campaigning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are personally leading the election campaign, targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party, the TMC. The effectiveness of this strategy will be revealed on May 4, the results day.

The BJP is accusing the Mamata Banerjee government of corruption during its 15 years in power. Central and state-level BJP leaders are reiterating these allegations to shape the TMC's image as a corrupt party. Major issues highlighted include the teacher recruitment scam, coal scam, and animal smuggling, along with accusations against TMC leaders for taking cut money.

Additionally, the BJP is raising concerns about law and order, electoral violence, and political murders, claiming that democracy in Bengal is under threat. Allegations of illegal immigration, Hindutva, identity politics, and appeasement are also being emphasized.

Key Issues Raised by BJP in Tamil Nadu

While the BJP is creating a strong narrative in West Bengal, its momentum in Tamil Nadu is comparatively slower. In Tamil Nadu, the party is focusing on soft Hindutva, corruption, Tamil identity, and family politics. The BJP is consistently accusing the DMK and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of nepotism and corruption.

Moreover, BJP leaders are raising Hindu religious issues, with both senior and junior members addressing the management of temples and alleged interference in Hindu religious institutions by the DMK. This time, the BJP is also linking Tamil identity with nationalism, discussing language issues and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), as well as development and infrastructure in the state. Through these issues, the BJP aims to realize its dream of forming a government in both states.