The first phase of the high-stakes West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 witnessed a steady voter turnout of 41.11 per cent till 11 am, according to the Election Commission of India. Polling began on Thursday (April 23) across key constituencies, setting the tone for what is expected to be a fiercely contested electoral battle.
The opening phase covers 152 assembly constituencies, including all 54 seats in north Bengal’s eight districts, along with several constituencies in Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum, and Hooghly. This phase is widely seen as decisive in shaping the overall trajectory of the election.
Over 3.60 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this phase, including approximately 1.75 crore women, reflecting the massive scale of democratic participation in the state.
The elections are a critical test for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party, the All India Trinamool Congress, which is seeking a fourth consecutive term in power. Banerjee’s leadership and governance record are under scrutiny as she battles to retain her stronghold.
For the Bharatiya Janata Party, the elections present an opportunity to make history by forming a government in West Bengal for the first time. The party has mounted an aggressive campaign, mobilising significant resources and focusing heavily on voter outreach.
Phase one is particularly crucial for the BJP, which had secured 59 of these 152 seats in the 2021 elections. A strong performance here could give the party momentum, especially as it aims to counter the Trinamool Congress’s dominance in south Bengal.
For Banerjee, containing the BJP’s growth in north Bengal is essential to maintaining political control and setting a favourable narrative for the remaining phases.
The campaign has been marked by sharp political rhetoric. Banerjee has repeatedly labelled the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “outsiders,” attempting to consolidate regional sentiment.
On the other hand, the BJP has focused on anti-incumbency, governance issues, and allegations of infiltration, positioning itself as the agent of change in the state.
To ensure smooth and fair polling, the ECI has deployed 2,450 companies of central forces. More than 8,000 polling stations have been identified as highly sensitive, underscoring the intensity and importance of the electoral exercise.
While the 41.11 per cent turnout by late morning indicates healthy voter engagement, officials expect the numbers to rise significantly as the day progresses. Voter participation in the early hours reflects heightened public interest in an election that could reshape West Bengal’s political landscape.
As polling continues, all eyes remain on whether the ruling Trinamool Congress can maintain its dominance or if the BJP can convert its aggressive campaign into electoral gains in this crucial opening phase.
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