Kolkata, 23 April (H.S.): Several prominent candidates and political leaders cast their votes on Thursday morning as polling for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 got underway. Along with exercising their franchise, leaders appealed to voters to participate enthusiastically in the democratic process.

Leader of the Opposition and senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, after casting his vote, said a wave of change was sweeping the state. He claimed polling had so far remained peaceful and that the Election Commission had made better arrangements compared to previous elections. Adhikari also urged people to vote in large numbers.

Senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh cast his vote in the Kharagpur area of Paschim Medinipur. Speaking afterwards, he said people were voting peacefully and the atmosphere was normal. He added that he would visit any place where his presence was required.

BJP candidate from Asansol South Agnimitra Paul also cast her vote in the morning. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress candidate Gautam Deb voted in Siliguri after standing in queue with ordinary voters. After voting, he raised questions over certain arrangements made by the Election Commission.

Congress candidate Mausam Benazir Noor exercised her franchise in Malatipur constituency of Malda. Congress MP Isha Khan Choudhury also cast his vote alongside her, boosting enthusiasm among party workers.

In Murshidabad, Humayun Kabir of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party voted early in the day and appealed to people to vote fearlessly.

Polling is underway in 152 Assembly constituencies across 16 districts in the first phase. A total of 1,478 candidates are in the fray, including 167 women candidates. Extensive security arrangements have been made across the state, with large deployment of central forces.

Reports of technical glitches in electronic voting machines, tension at some booths and political allegations also surfaced from a few areas. However, polling in most parts of the state has remained peaceful so far.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh