Kolkata, 23 April (H.S.): Polling is underway across 152 constituencies in 16 districts during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. Amid the ongoing voting process, an international delegation visiting the state to observe the elections toured several polling stations in Darjeeling district and reviewed the arrangements on Thursday.

Accompanied by officials of the Election Commission, the delegates visited a number of polling booths in Siliguri and the Matigara area. According to information released by the Commission, the representatives appreciated the orderly management of the polling process and the festive atmosphere at the booths.

The delegation also praised the webcasting facilities at polling stations, as well as amenities such as wheelchairs for Persons with Disabilities, drinking water, shaded waiting areas, seating arrangements and special assistance for senior citizens. The Commission said these facilities had been ensured as part of minimum mandatory poll arrangements.

Sources said the 13-member delegation is in West Bengal under the Election Commission’s International Election Visitors’ Programme 2026. The team includes representatives from Namibia, Georgia, Nepal, the Philippines, Switzerland, Kenya and international democratic institutions. According to the Commission, the programme aims to showcase India’s best electoral practices and strengthen cooperation with election management bodies across the world.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari continued visiting various polling stations in his home constituency of Nandigram. Speaking to mediapersons, he said the polling process had so far remained peaceful compared to previous elections.

He alleged that in earlier polls, incidents of voter intimidation would begin even before polling day, but added that such activities had been checked this time because of extensive security deployment. He expressed hope that voting would continue peacefully throughout the day.

Adhikari is contesting this time from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur, where he faces Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Polling in Bhabanipur will be held in the second phase on April 29, while voting in Nandigram is taking place on Thursday.

Several senior leaders of the BJP and Trinamool Congress cast their votes in the morning before beginning visits to different areas. Polling has so far remained peaceful in most places, while security forces continue to remain on high alert. Adhikari in Nandigram and Agnimitra Paul in Asansol expressed hope for a peaceful electoral process after casting their votes.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh