Record turnouts mark Bengal Phase-1, Tamil Nadu voting

Polling for 152 of the 294 West Bengal assembly seats concluded amid sporadic incidents of violence. Police reported 41 arrests in connection with the clashes. Voter turnout stood at 92.35%, described as the highest-ever percentage in West Bengal since Independence. Clashes were reported in parts of Murshidabad, Birbhum, Cooch Behar and Dakshin Dinajpur, with crude bombs allegedly hurled and candidates facing attacks. Security forces were deployed to ensure a free and fair polling process.