Kolkata, 23 April (H.S.): Polling in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 continued peacefully on Thursday morning, with an average voter turnout of 18.76 per cent recorded across 152 constituencies between 7 AM and 9 AM. Paschim Medinipur emerged as the leading district in terms of turnout during the initial two hours.

According to data released by the Election Commission, Paschim Medinipur registered the highest turnout at 20.51 per cent till 9 AM. It was followed by Bankura with 20.20 per cent, Jhargram with 19.84 per cent, Birbhum with 19.01 per cent and Paschim Bardhaman with 19 per cent.

Among other districts, Murshidabad recorded 18.88 per cent polling, Dakshin Dinajpur 18.81 per cent, Purba Medinipur 18.81 per cent, Darjeeling 18.80 per cent, Kalimpong 18.74 per cent and Jalpaiguri 18.50 per cent.

Meanwhile, Alipurduar registered 17.70 per cent turnout, Purulia 17.83 per cent, Cooch Behar 17.56 per cent, Uttar Dinajpur 17.54 per cent, while Malda reported the lowest turnout so far at 16.96 per cent.

Polling is being held in 152 constituencies spread across 16 districts in the first phase. These include all districts of North Bengal, key western region districts, Murshidabad, Paschim Bardhaman and Purba Medinipur. A total of 1,478 candidates are in the fray, including 167 women candidates.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made at polling stations across the state. Voting is being conducted under the watch of central forces, web surveillance systems and special observers. Long queues of voters were seen at several booths in the morning, indicating an enthusiastic response in the opening hours.

Political parties are now closely watching whether voter turnout rises further as the day progresses. The first phase is being viewed as crucial in shaping the trends for the remaining stages of the Assembly elections.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh