Polling for Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 began at 7 AM on Thursday, covering 152 constituencies across 16 districts in both north and south Bengal. Over 3.6 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this phase, making it a crucial opening round in the two-phase election to the 294-member Vidhan Sabha.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed a massive security apparatus, including over 2,400 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, to ensure free and fair polling amid a history of electoral violence in the state.
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The remaining 142 seats will go to polls on April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
Voter turnout: Early trends show steady participation
According to initial data from election authorities and media reports, voter turnout stood at approximately 18.7–18.8% by 9 AM on polling day. The figure reached 41.11% by 11 AM. It quickly climbed to 62.18 % by 1 PM. The figure stood at 78.77% by 3 PM. At 5 PM, the figure stood at 89.93%. The final figures presented by the ECI pegs the total turnout at 92.14%.
Early turnout figures are broadly in line with previous elections in the state, where participation typically increases significantly as the day progresses. Election officials expect a steady rise in turnout through the afternoon, especially in rural and semi-urban constituencies.
Despite a largely peaceful start in most districts, incidents of violence have been reported from Murshidabad, where clashes between political workers left several people injured.
The district has been identified as one of the most sensitive zones, with additional central forces deployed in anticipation of unrest. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and polling continues under heightened security.
In the lead-up to polling, the ECI had already taken preventive measures, including:
- Identifying over 8,000 “super-sensitive” polling booths across the state
- Directing action against around 800 individuals linked to voter intimidation
- Arresting hundreds of suspected troublemakers and history-sheeters
These steps were aimed at curbing violence and ensuring voter confidence in the electoral process.
Scale of the contest and key stakes
Phase 1 represents a significant portion of the electoral battlefield, with 1,400+ candidates contesting across politically crucial constituencies.
The election is being viewed as a direct contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is seeking to expand its footprint after emerging as the principal opposition in 2021.
Political analysts note that outcomes in this phase—especially in districts like Murshidabad and East Midnapore—could set the tone for the remainder of the election.
Tight security and tech-enabled monitoring
To enhance transparency and prevent malpractice, the ECI has implemented 100% webcasting at polling stations and deployed technology-driven monitoring systems. Preventive policing and surveillance have been intensified, particularly in areas with a history of electoral disturbances.
With a large electorate, heavy security deployment, and early reports of isolated violence, Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 is unfolding under close national scrutiny. Turnout trends in the coming hours, along with the containment of law-and-order issues, will be key indicators of how the rest of the electoral process may proceed.
