Kolkata, 23 April (H.S.): Amid the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, Mohammed Salim, state secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), stated that polling across the state has been largely peaceful, despite a few incidents of violence.

Salim alleged that the Election Commission failed to act with adequate vigilance in areas where clashes were reported. He noted that incidents of violence occurred in parts of Birbhum and Murshidabad, but overall, the polling process remained mostly calm.

Reacting to allegations that a BJP candidate in Kumarganj (Dakshin Dinajpur district) was manhandled by Trinamool supporters, Salim said that both the Election Commission and police observers should have been more alert.

Meanwhile, sporadic incidents of clashes and attacks on candidates were reported from different parts of the state, prompting the Election Commission to seek detailed reports from affected areas.

Voter turnout remained strong, with over 41% of the 3.60 crore electorate casting their votes till 11 AM on Thursday.

Polling in the first phase is being held across 152 constituencies in 16 districts, where a total of 1,478 candidates—including 167 women—are in the fray for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey