Kolkata, 23 April (H.S.): Polling for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 began on Thursday morning amid extensive security arrangements, with voters casting their ballots across 152 constituencies. Long queues were seen outside several polling stations since early morning as citizens turned out to exercise their franchise.

The first phase of polling is being held in 152 seats spread across 16 districts, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Paschim Bardhaman, Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur and Purba Medinipur. These constituencies include border areas, tea garden belts, rural regions, tribal-dominated zones and several key urban pockets.

According to the Election Commission, nearly 3.6 crore voters are eligible to vote in this phase. Around 44,000 polling stations have been set up for the exercise. As polling commenced at the scheduled hour, enthusiasm was visible among voters in many places, with women, youth and senior citizens participating in significant numbers.

Elaborate security measures have been put in place across the state. A total of 2,407 companies of central armed forces have been deployed. Additional personnel, surveillance teams, video monitoring systems and special observers have been stationed at sensitive and highly sensitive booths. Quick response teams have also been kept on standby to address any complaint or untoward incident immediately.

Leader of the Opposition and senior BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari visited Nandigram early in the day and toured several polling stations. He interacted with polling agents present at different booths and said the voting process should remain completely peaceful. He also urged the administration to ensure a free and fair election.

A total of 1,478 candidates are in the fray in the first phase, including several prominent leaders, ministers, former legislators and new faces. Political parties are closely watching voter turnout, particularly in North Bengal, border districts, rural belts and minority-dominated areas.

The outcome and trends of the first phase are being seen as crucial in setting the tone for the remaining stages of the election.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh