Kolkata: The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 is currently underway today, April 23, 2026, marking the start of a critical two-phase battle for the 294-seat legislature. This initial phase is remarkably large, covering 152 constituencies across 16 districts, including strategically vital regions in both North and South Bengal such as Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Murshidabad, and Purba Medinipur.
Voter turnout has been high, with approximate figures showing nearly 79 percent participation by 3:00 PM. Districts like Dakshin Dinajpur and Paschim Medinipur have reported some of the highest engagement levels, both exceeding 81 percent. This surge in voting comes despite several reports of localized tension. In Murshidabad, clashes were reported between political workers, while in Asansol and Kumarganj, candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party alleged that their vehicles were attacked or vandalized.
The Election Commission has deployed an unprecedented 2,407 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces to ensure security across the 44,376 polling stations involved in this phase. The political stakes are exceptionally high as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee seeks a fourth consecutive term for the Trinamool Congress, while the BJP, led by figures like Suvendu Adhikari, aims to capitalize on its previous gains.
Key high-profile contests decided in this phase include Nandigram, where Suvendu Adhikari is defending his seat, and Baharampur, a stronghold for the Congress. The remaining 142 seats, largely concentrated in and around Kolkata, are scheduled to vote in the second and final phase on April 29. All results will be officially tabulated and announced on May 4, 2026.