Tamil Nadu and Bengal vote

In West Bengal, the election is overshadowed by the removal of 2.7 million names from the voter rolls, leading to accusations of disenfranchisement from the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, the M.K. Stalin-led alliance faces a challenge from a resurgent opposition and the entry of actor-turned-politician Vijay.

Polling stations in Chennai saw Modest turnouts early in the day, though the arrival of film stars caused unruly scenes at several locations.

The outcome of these state contests is seen as a vital indicator of national political sentiment ahead of future general elections.