West Bengal Elections 2026: Polling ends for the first phase, voter turnout over 92 per cent

Voting has officially ended across all 152 assembly constituencies in West Bengal for Phase 1, officials said. Those who were still standing in queues at the scheduled closing time have been permitted to vote to ensure every eligible voter present at the booth is able to participate in the polling process, they added. 

The state has recorded a massive voter turnout of 89.93 per cent till 5 pm, as per the Election Commission. Here's the district-wise voter turnout. 

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said the Election Commission conducted a successful and peaceful first phase of polling, adding that turnout was around 90 per cent according to his assessment. He claimed the BJP would win 125 seats in the first phase. Adhikari further stated that Muslim votes had already consolidated, and after the results, "85 per cent of Hindus will be seen supporting the BJP." He also claimed that a section of Left voters had shifted towards the BJP.

(Inputs from Pawan Nara) 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said "not a single intruder" would be allowed to enter West Bengal if the BJP comes to power in the state, and the illegal immigrants already here would be "selectively rooted out". Addressing a public rally at Balagarh in Hooghly district on a day when voting for the first phase was underway, he said the BJP was poised to form a government in the state with a full majority.

The state has recorded a massive voter turnout of 78.77 per cent till 3 pm, as per the Election Commission. Here's the district-wise voter turnout. 

BJP president Nitin Nabin claimed that the saffron party will win the Assembly polls in West Bengal with an "absolute majority" and form its government to end the 15-year rule of Trinamool Congress under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. On the number of seats the party expects to win in Bengal, Nabin said, "We are not putting out the final numbers right now. Voting is still underway, and more clarity will emerge as the process continues. But based on the current indications, I believe we are going to form our government there with an absolute majority," he told News18 Network.

Police have registered an FIR over the tensions in Nowda, and taken two persons into custody. Efforts are underway to track down the remaining accused, police said. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the BJP war room in Kolkata on Thursday.

BJP candidate from Asansol South Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul's car vandalised in the Rahmatnagar area of ​​Burnpur, reports ANI.

Here's a look at district-wise polling in West Bengal:

TMC leader Sabina Yasmin, who is also party's candidate from the Sujapur constituency, accused the central forces of disrupting polling. She alleged that central forces want to ensure that the turnout remains less in the state.

"The Central Forces are creating problems in a lot of polling booths. Their work is to maintain law and order, but they are checking ID cards. Due to this, voting is going slowly. They think that if people remain standing under the Sun for long, they will return without voting. They intend that there should be less voting. We are filing a complaint," she told ANI.

Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school in Murshidabad's Gorabazaar alleged that EVM was malfunctioning, as the state votes for phase 1 of assembly elections.

West Bengal has recorded a voter turnout of 62.18 per cent till 1 am, as per the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who is Congress candidate from Berhampore assembly constituency, has urged officials to resolve the EVM malfunction at the polling booth.

"The EVM at booth 141 has been malfunctioning. As a result of this, the common voters who are standing under the Sun have to go back home.  It depends on you how this situation can be tackled. It has been alleged by the Presiding Officer that they have been left in a helpless situation. Right now, your intervention is imperative. The EVM here has been changed for the fourth time, and even the changed EVM is also non-functional," he told reporters.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday issued a stern warning to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) against violating poll norms and causing law and order issues in West Bengal, where polling is underway for 152 assembly constituencies under phase 1. Adhikari, who is BJP's candidate from Nandigram and Bhabanipur, made the remarks while interacting with reporters after visiting several polling booth in the Nandigram assembly segment. Click here to read more.

A 58-year-old died due to heart attack in East Medinipur, while he was standing in a queue at a polling booth. Doctors said the man suffered the heart attack due to excessive heat.

With inputs from Onkar Sarkar

As violence continues in Murshidabad, TMC workers smashed a car that belonged to the support of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP).

A stone pelting incident was reported in Murshidabad during clashes between TMC and JUP workers. This forced the central forces to intervene and resort to lathi-charge.

Central forces intervene as TMC workers allegedly blocked road near polling booths in Cooch Behar, reports PTI.

Trouble was reported at booth numbers 47 and 48 in Cooch Behar assembly segment following BJP leader Nishith Pramanik's visit. More details are awaited.

With inputs from Abhijit Sheel

Suvendu Adhikari, BJP leader and party candidate from Nandigram, inspected several polling booths, as phase one polling continued in the state.

Here's the district-wise turnout for the West Bengal elections 2026:

As per the latest data provided by the Election Commission of India (ECI), a voter turnout of 41.11 per cent was recorded till 11 am.

Election Commission sought a report from DM/DEO on the Nowda tension between Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir and TMC workers, say ECI officials.

Several people were injured after some unidentified persons hurled a crude bomb in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal on Thursday, as phase one of polling continues in the state. The incident happened in Nowda, which triggered panic among the locals. Click here to read more.

An argument broke out between supporters of TMC and BJP at the Jagadish Chandra Vidyapith in the Siliguri assembly constituency, reports ANI.

Sanjoy Adhikari, who is Congress candidate from Suri assembly seat, has alleged that he was unable to cast his vote despite reaching his polling station at 7 am due to an EVM glitch.

"We have already lodged a complaint with the district magistrate and the local polling officer, yet the machine has not been repaired so far. Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues before the booth, and there's no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume," Adhikari told PTI.

A scuffle broke out between TMC workers and Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir in Murshidabad. Kabir visiting the area where a crude bomb hurling incident was reported yesterday.

EVM glitches disrupted voting at a few places in West Bengal on Thursday as polling was underway in the first phase of the assembly elections. In Murshidabad district, polling was halted at booth number 156 in Parsalika Madanmohan Primary School in the Beldanga assembly segment after an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) developed a snag. At booth number 212 in the Samsherganj assembly constituency, voting did not begin on time because of similar issues. Polling was also delayed at booth number 130 in Kandi, reports PTI.

Several people were injured after some unidentified people hurled crude bomb in Nowda, Murshidabad district. More details are awaited.

Following is the district-wise voter turnout in West Bengal in the phase one of the assembly elections:

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has urged the people of West Bengal to vote in large numbers and ensure that the ideals of democracy, social justice, equality, and freedom remain intact.

"As West Bengal votes in the first phase of Assembly elections today, I sincerely urge all citizens to step out and participate in large numbers. Do not be deterred by forces that seek to discourage you. Your vote is your voice, and it must be resoundingly heard," he said. 

As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), the voter turnout for phase one of assembly elections in West Bengal is 18.76 per cent till now. 

The first phase of voting in 152 constituencies in West Bengal Will be held amid tight security. The campaign for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections concluded on Tuesday, as 152 constituencies across north Bengal and several districts in the southern part of the state are scheduled to go to the polls on April 23. As per the Election Commission, over 3.60 crore electors are eligible to vote in this phase and the electors include around 1.84 crore male voters, 1.75 crore female voters and 465 third-gender voters. Click here to read more.

Suvendu Adhikari, the BJP candidate contesting from Nandigram and Bhabanipur Assembly constituencies, called on voters to ensure a peaceful polling process during the West Bengal elections.

After casting his vote, Adhikari visited nearby villages and interacted with residents, urging them to participate in the democratic process.

Congress candidate from Malda, Mausam Noor, said the voting exercise was  proceeding peacefully and she was going with her family to cast their votes.  

"As a family, we are all going together to cast our votes. This is strengthening my resolve and reinforcing my principles. It is also giving me more support and confidence to go out and cover the elections everywhere. So far, the reports suggest that everything is proceeding peacefully," she said. 

The key candidates for the phase one of polling in West Bengal are Suvendu Adhikari (BJP, Nandigram), former Union minister Nisith Pramanik (BJP, Mathabhanga), state minister Udayan Guha (TMC, Dinhata), Goutam Deb (TMC, Siliguri), and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Congress, Baharampur).

West Bengal Governor RN Ravi has urged the people, particularly the women and the youths, to participate in the polling process. "First phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is underway today. I urge every voter, particularly the youth and women, to enthusiastically take part in the most sacred festival of democracy and exercise their votes without failing," Ravi said.

Suvendu Adhikari, BJP leader, and party candidate from Nandigram and Bhabanipur, said on Thursday that there will be a 'partivartan' (change) in West Bengal in this year's assembly elections. "Parivartan hoga. If a change does not take place this time, Sanatana in Bengal will be finished. The Election Commission is doing good work, but there are some goons everywhere. Our polling agent has been arrested. Strict action should be taken immediately," he told news agency ANI. 

Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir has arrived to cast his vote for phase one of the assembly elections in West Bengal.

Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir said on Thursday that he is no one's B-team as the polling for phase one in West Bengal started. He also alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is "selling tickets" and it will get an answer from the people in this year's assembly elections.

"After forming the new party, there was a lot of opposition against me... I received tremendous support from my party. I fielded 142 candidates but 25-26 candidates joined TMC. I didn't face any issues nonetheless. Now my party has 117 candidates... TMC is selling tickets... Candidates from my party are being bought off with money... They will get an answer for this in the elections... I am no one's B team," he told news agency ANI.

For the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), north Bengal seems to be the key against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) to remain in contention for the 2026 assembly elections. For the TMC, it is important to stop a BJP sweep in this region before the second phase polling on April 29.

Out of the 152 assembly constituencies where polling underway, the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) won 59 seats against Trinamool Congress (TMC)'s 93. It is worth noting that the BJP had won 77 seats across West Bengal in the 2021 assembly elections.

Long queues of voters formed outside a polling station in Asansol as polling for the first phase of West Bengal assembly elections gets underway.

The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is set to be held on Thursday (April 23) with 152 seats across north Bengal, west Bengal and parts of south Bengal going to the polls. The remaining 142 constituencies will vote on April 29 and the results will be announced on 4 May. The election is shaping up to be a direct contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee and a resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Several high-profile candidates from both sides have taken centre stage which has intensified the political battle across the state. Click here to read more.

EVM malfunctioning has been reported in some parts of West Bengal, as phase one of polling has started in the state.

Organisational District: Behrampore-Murshidabad 
AC Name: KANDI 
Block/Municipality Name: Kandi Block
GP/Ward: Kumarsanda
Booth Number: 19

Issue: The EVM machine is malfunctioning

Organisational District: Malda
AC Name: Chanchal
Block/Municipality Name: Chanchal 1
GP/Ward: Motiharpur 
Booth Number:211

Issue: EVM not working

Organisational District: Alipurduar 
AC Name: kalchini
Block/Municipality Name: kalchini
GP/Ward:Mendabari
Booth Number: 205

Issue: EVM Machine is not working

People queue up outside a polling station in Siliguri as they await their turn to cast a vote for West Bengal assembly elections.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who is also party's candidate from the Berhampore seat, hoped that the results will be positive for him and the grand old party. He also pointed out that there is a lot of anti-incumbency in the Murshidabad district.

"The ruling party has spent crores in campaigning, however, I believe that we will be successful in getting back our lost ground to a great extent," he told news agency PTI. "You people can differentiate between the ruling party and BJP but I don't see much of a difference between them. They both are elected autocrat."

As the phase one of voting started in West Bengal, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari hoped that the polling will be peaceful, while also urging people to vote for the saffron party. 

"Hoping for peaceful polls, nobody will be able to create chaos as paramilitary forces are deployed," he said, while thanking the central forces.

As polling started in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged the citizens, particularly the youth, to participate in "this festival of democracy" with their full strength.

"Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly elections takes place today. I urge all citizens to participate in this festival of democracy with full strength. I especially appeal to my young friends and to the women of West Bengal to vote in large numbers," he posted on X.

The polling for phase one of West Bengal Assembly elections has started!

The polling in West Bengal for phase 1 will start shortly. It is worth noting that polling in this phase will be held on 152 assembly constituencies, as per the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The security has been tightened in Asansol, West Bengal, where polling for phase 1 will begin shortly. Here's a visual from outside a polling booth.

The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 is scheduled to take place on April 23 (Thursday), covering 152 constituencies across north Bengal and parts of south Bengal, including the politically significant Nandigram seat. According to data from the Election Commission of India, nearly 3.60 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this phase. This includes around 1.84 crore male voters, 1.75 crore female voters, and 465 third-gender electors. Click here to read more.

Mock polling is being conducted in Siliguri, West Bengal, where polling for phase one will start shortly. Here are some visuals from Siliguri Girls High School, which is polling station number 26.

Mock polling is underway in Birbhum where polling will be held shortly. Here's a look at the visuals.

For the polling on 152 assembly constituencies in West Bengal, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed 2,450 companies of central armed forces to ensure that voting is conducted peacefully.

As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), more than 3.60 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in phase one polling in West Bengal. This including 1.75 crore women voters.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the phase one polling will start at 7 am and continue till 6 pm in West Bengal.   

The phase one polling in West Bengal will see 152 assembly constituencies going to vote on Thursday. This includes 54 seats in eight districts of north Bengal and several constituencies in Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum and Hooghly.