Polling for the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal began on Thursday, with voters heading to the polls amid tight security. In Tamil Nadu, a single phase will cover 234 Assembly constituencies, while West Bengal is conducting its elections in two phases, starting with 152 constituencies in this initial round. The elections are significant, with Tamil Nadu's electorate comprising over 5.73 crore voters, including 2,93,04,905 female voters and 2,80,30,658 male voters. The counting of votes for both states is scheduled for May 4. The major contest in Tamil Nadu is projected to be between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance. In West Bengal, the incumbent Trinamool Congress is seeking a fourth consecutive term against the BJP, which aims to capitalize on its previous electoral gains. Additionally, by-elections are taking place in Gujarat and Maharashtra, with counting also set for May 4.