West Bengal surpassed a 91% participation rate, reaching 91.78%, while Tamil Nadu achieved 84.69%, breaking decades-old benchmarks from 2011.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) attributed the high turnout to extensive voter mobilisation and voter-friendly initiatives, including colour photos on electronic voting machines (EVMs), improved Voter Information Slips, and capped elector numbers per polling station to reduce waiting times.

Women led voter engagement in both states, with female turnout in West Bengal at 92.69% compared to 90.92% for men, and in Tamil Nadu at 85.76%, surpassing male participation of 83.57%. Significant involvement was also seen in the third-gender community, recording 60.49% turnout in Tamil Nadu and 56.79% in West Bengal.

The election process covered over 9.33 crore voters across 386 Assembly Constituencies, supported by nearly 600,000 polling officials at 119,440 polling stations. The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, ensured transparency with 100% live webcasting from all locations. Additional support was provided for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), including wheelchairs and dedicated transport.

Alongside the main elections, by-elections occurred in three constituencies in Gujarat and Maharashtra, with turnout figures of 59.03% in Gujarat's Umreth-111, and 57.48% and 55.31% in Maharashtra's Baramati-201 and Rahuri-223 respectively.

The record turnouts sparked intense political debate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the voting as a “storm of change,” alleging that women and youth opened a front against the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), which he accused of corruption and misgovernance. Modi expressed confidence that “the lotus will bloom everywhere” during vote counts.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah intensified criticism of TMC, alleging a “syndicate raj” and “Bhaipo Tax,” which he said had harmed industries and daily life in Bengal. Following polling, Shah posted on social media that “the sun of TMC’s corruption and hooliganism has set,” signalling BJP's optimism.

BJP leaders predicted significant electoral gains, with senior leader Dilip Ghosh anticipating the party crossing 100 seats in Phase-1 and questioning TMC's candidate selections and leadership tactics.

However, the day was marred by violence in Murshidabad district. Clashes erupted between supporters of TMC and Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir in West Bengal's Nowda area, involving crude bombs, stone pelting, and vehicle damage. Security forces intervened after Kabir alleged police bias and demanded suspension of Additional SP Majeed Khan, accusing him of favouring TMC.

TMC leaders accused Kabir of trying to disrupt polling with “anti-social elements.” Separately, BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul's vehicle was vandalised in Asansol when a stone shattered the rear glass; Paul and her security team were unharmed, though an aide suffered minor injuries. Paul linked the attack to TMC involvement.

Disruptions were also reported in Malda's Mothabari constituency, where an EVM malfunction and absence of a sector officer caused confusion. Despite these incidents, the ECI maintained the polling was largely peaceful and efficiently conducted, with international observers praising the arrangements.

In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin voted and urged citizens to view voting as a “banner to protect Tamil Nadu,” emphasising democracy and social justice. Actor-turned-politician Vijay criticised inadequate transport services, claiming thousands of voters were stranded and called for extended polling hours. BJP leader K Annamalai alleged that parts of the state's electoral process were “vitiated,” while Congress leader Manickam Tagore noted high voter enthusiasm and encouraged rejection of underperforming candidates.

The high turnout in both states sets the stage for a competitive election contest framed around “change” versus “continuity.” The ruling parties defend their records, while opposition forces argue for accountability and transformation.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, West Bengal recorded 85.2% voter turnout and Tamil Nadu 76.6%. Voting for the remaining 142 seats in West Bengal is scheduled for April 29, with results for both states expected on May 4.

Mamata Banerjee seeks a fourth consecutive term as West Bengal Chief Minister, while the BJP, which won 77 seats previously, aims to form the state government. In Tamil Nadu, the main contest is between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the National Democratic Alliance, featuring AIADMK, BJP, and Pattali Makkal Katchi allies. Actor Vijay's Tamil Vazhi Katchi is attempting to establish a three-way race.