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government saying it aims to prevent “infiltrators”, a pejorative term largely referring to illegal Muslim immigrants, from voting.

Experts and organisations say Muslims and other religious minorities have been disproportionately removed from the rolls in West Bengal, a key segment of voters who usually vote against BJP.

The second round of voting will be held on April 29, covering 142 constituencies in West Bengal.

One of the key battles will take place between Mamata and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu went to polls yesterday for 234 election constituencies, with the key constituencies being Kolathur, Edappadi, Tiruchirappalli East, Coimbatore South, and Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is contesting the 2026 Assembly elections from the Kolathur constituency in Chennai, hoping to secure another term as the CM. He will be contesting against AIADMK candidate P Santhana Krishnan.

Another candidate central to the Tamil Nadu polls this year is actor-turned politician Vijay, who is contesting the polls from two seats - Trichy East and Perambur. Vijay founded the political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for his maiden polls, fielding 233 candidates in the polls.

The counting of votes for the states -- as well as Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry -- will take place on May 4.