Top news of the day: Tamil Nadu and West Bengal voter turnout crosses 80% as of 5 p.m., Kerala’s Thrissur Pooram to go fireworks-free this year after blast; and more

Over 5.73 crore voters will decide the electoral fate of 4,023 candidates in the fray for the crucial Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23, amid tight security and a massive crackdown by election authorities to prevent inducements to influence voters. Polling in Vellore district stood at 85.06%, Ranipet district at 86.28% and Tirupatur district at 85.28%. Namakkal district recorded 76.43% votes

West Bengal recorded brisk polling on Thursday (April 23, 2026) with 89.93% of the 3.60 crore electors casting their ballot till 5 p.m. in the first phase of the Assembly elections amid sporadic incidents of violence and voter intimidation. The first phase will decide the electoral fate of 1,478 candidates in 152 constituencies of the 294-strong State Assembly.