Kolkata, 23 April (H.S.) : The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 concluded on Thursday under heavy security and extensive administrative monitoring, with a record voter turnout of 89.93 percent till 5 PM. Polling was held across 152 Assembly constituencies in 16 districts, where the political fate of 1,478 candidates was sealed in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Long queues were witnessed outside polling booths from early morning, and voting remained brisk throughout the day. The turnout figure is being seen as one of the highest in recent years, surpassing previous polling percentages in comparable elections and drawing national attention. It also reportedly exceeded recent turnout levels recorded in Puducherry and Assam.

Polling took place in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, West Bardhaman, Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, West Midnapore and East Midnapore. These districts include border belts, tea garden areas, tribal regions, rural pockets and major urban zones, making the first phase politically significant.

According to election authorities, nearly 3.6 crore voters were eligible to cast their votes in this phase. A total of 44,376 polling stations were set up across the state. Of these, 5,644 booths were managed entirely by women polling personnel, while 207 model polling stations were created with enhanced voter facilities. Special arrangements were also made for senior citizens and differently-abled voters.

Security deployment remained one of the biggest features of the phase. Around 2,407 companies of central armed forces were deployed across the poll-bound districts. East Midnapore received 273 companies, West Midnapore 271, Murshidabad 240, Bankura 193, Birbhum 176, Malda 172 and Purulia 151 companies. Additional surveillance, flying squads and sector officers were deployed at sensitive booths.

Several districts crossed the 90 percent turnout mark. South Dinajpur recorded the highest turnout at 93.12 percent, followed by Cooch Behar at 92.07 percent, Birbhum at 91.55 percent, Murshidabad at 91.36 percent and Jalpaiguri at 91.20 percent. West Midnapore registered 90.70 percent and Jhargram 90.53 percent. Kalimpong recorded the lowest turnout at 81.98 percent, though still considered substantial.

Women, youth and elderly voters participated in large numbers, with crowds remaining visible outside several polling stations till evening.

However, the day was not entirely peaceful, as sporadic incidents of violence, clashes, vandalism and technical disruptions were reported from multiple districts.

In South Dinajpur’s Kumarganj, a BJP candidate alleged that he was attacked during a visit to polling stations. In Birbhum’s Labhpur, a BJP polling agent was reportedly injured. In Khairasole, polling was disrupted after EVM malfunction, followed by stone-pelting and damage to a police vehicle. One security personnel was reported injured.

In Murshidabad’s Naoda, an attack was alleged on the convoy of Humayun Kabir, while polling was delayed in Jalangi due to machine malfunction. In West Midnapore, clashes, assault allegations and complaints against central forces were reported. In Keshpur, an elderly woman died after casting her vote.

Complaints also emerged from Cooch Behar, Asansol and Siliguri over booth influence, attacks on vehicles and alleged bogus voting.

Despite the disturbances, the administration described polling as largely controlled and orderly. Opposition parties questioned the fairness of the process, while the Election Commission sought reports on all major incidents and ordered inquiries.

The record turnout has intensified political activity across the state. All major parties are now focusing on the upcoming phases, while attention remains on whether the high participation signals a decisive shift in Bengal’s political landscape.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh