West Bengal is voting today in the first phase of the Assembly Elections 2026, with polling underway across 152 constituencies covering north Bengal and key southern districts. Around 3.6 crore voters are expected to cast their votes in this phase, which is being closely watched as a crucial battle between Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party amid the ongoing controversy over voter list revisions.
Early trends show a voter turnout of 18.76% within the first two hours of polling. Paschim Medinipur recorded the highest turnout at 20.5%, followed by Bankura at 20.2% and Jhargram at 19.8%, indicating strong participation in several districts.
However, reports of unrest have emerged from Murshidabad, where clashes broke out between workers of the Trinamool Congress and Humayun Kabir’s Amjanata Unnayan Party. Kabir, who was earlier suspended from the Trinamool Congress, alleged that party workers attempted to stop him, leading to a heated exchange with police officials.
Concerns over voter intimidation have also surfaced in Domkal, Murshidabad, where several voters claimed they were threatened and prevented from reaching polling booths. Some residents alleged the presence of armed individuals in the area since early morning, creating fear among voters, while also claiming that security forces were not visible during crucial hours.
Meanwhile, international delegates visiting polling stations in Darjeeling praised the arrangements, calling the process “systematic” and “well managed,” according to the Election Commission.
The second phase of polling is scheduled for April 29, while vote counting will take place on May 4.