Voting underway for phase-1 in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu; By-polls in Gujarat and Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, the by-elections in Rahuri and Baramati were triggered by the deaths of MLAs Shivaji Bhanudas Kardile and Ajit Anantrao Pawar, respectively. The Election Commission has stated that the counting of votes will take place on May 4, with results expected the same day. The overall election process is scheduled to conclude by May 6.