Assembly Elections 2026 LIVE: ECI begins EVM-VVPAT commissioning for Tamil Nadu and West Bengal phase-1 polls

The Election Commission of India on Thursday (April 16, 2026) commenced the commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs for constituencies of Tamil Nadu and the first phase in West Bengal on April 23. The Commission stated that the commissioning exercise will be followed by a mock poll of 1,000 votes in 5% of the EVMs, which will be randomly selected by candidates or their representatives.

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Meanwhile, BJP leader K. Annamalai held an election campaign in support of AIADMK candidate from Thiruverumbur P Kumar in Tiruchirappalli on Thursday (April 16, 2026).

Read more | BJP will divide the State if AIADMK alliance is given a chance, says Stalin

Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23 while voting in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Results for all five states will be announced on May 4. Follow the live for more updates