CPI Leader D. Raja Confident of DMK Alliance Victory in Tamil Nadu Elections

As voting continues for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, CPI leader D. Raja expressed confidence in the victory of the DMK-led coalition and the defeat of the BJP. After casting his vote, Raja spoke to the media, urging voters to participate in large numbers. He stated, 'I am a voter from Chennai. I came out to cast my vote, and I appeal to all voters to exercise their right. This is a crucial right to strengthen our democracy... I believe the DMK-led coalition will win the elections and form the government.'

In addition, Raja criticized the BJP in the context of the West Bengal Assembly elections, emphasizing the need for a strong fight to defeat the party. He remarked, 'We will have to wait and see as the elections are being held in two phases in West Bengal. In my opinion, and that of my party, the BJP should not be allowed to gain an advantage in Bengal. The BJP must be defeated. Just as Tamil Nadu is fighting against the destructive ideology of the BJP, the people of Bengal must also stand against and defeat the BJP.'

During the first phase of voting in the West Bengal Assembly elections, an initial turnout of 18.76 percent was recorded in the first two hours. Voting commenced at 7 AM across 152 assembly seats in 16 districts under unprecedented security. By 9 AM, 18.76 percent of the 3.60 crore voters had exercised their right to vote. According to the Election Commission, the highest turnout was in the Bankura assembly constituency, with 22.05 percent, followed by 21.85 percent in Samserganj, Murshidabad, and 21.83 percent in Chandrakona, West Medinipur.

Following this, a turnout of 15.64 percent was noted in Chanchal, Malda, and 15.98 percent in Harishchandrapur. Some polling stations experienced disruptions due to EVM malfunctions. Officials reported that efforts to rectify these issues were ongoing. Congress candidate Sanjay Adhikari from Suri alleged that despite arriving at the polling station at 7 AM, he was unable to vote due to EVM problems. After waiting for nearly an hour, he stated, 'We have lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and local election officer, but the machine has not yet been fixed. Hundreds of voters are standing in line outside the booth, and there is no representative from the Election Commission to inform us when voting will resume.'