The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 concluded on Thursday, April 23, with an unprecedented display of democratic enthusiasm. The Election Commission of India confirmed that 152 constituencies across 16 districts went to polls, recording a staggering 92.25% voter turnout, marking the highest-ever polling percentage in the state since Independence .
The voting, which began at 7 AM and continued until 6 PM, saw long queues of voters braving the hot and humid conditions to exercise their franchise. The electorate included 3.60 crore voters, with a total of 1,478 candidates in the fray in this phase . The second and final phase of the election is scheduled for April 29, 2026, covering the remaining 142 constituencies, with the counting of votes set for May 4, 2026 .
The 92.25% turnout in Phase 1 has shattered previous records. For context, the previous highest poll-participation in Bengal was 84.72% in 2011, the year Mamata Banerjee first came to power, followed by 83.02% in 2016 and 82.30% in 2021 . Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar hailed the monumental participation, stating that the Election Commission salutes each voter for taking part in what he termed a “festival of democracy” .
Initially, the Election Commission’s trends showed a steady climb throughout the day. Starting at 18.76% turnout by 9 AM, the numbers jumped to 41.11% by 11 AM, crossed 62.18% by 1 PM, and surged to 78.77% by 3 PM . The final figure of 92.25% reflects a massive post-lunch surge, underscoring the deep political engagement in the state.
The enthusiasm was spread across all districts, with Dakshin Dinajpur emerging as the leader with a stunning 94.64% turnout. Coochbehar followed closely at 94.20%, while Birbhum recorded 93.49%. Here is the detailed district-wise turnout data released by the Election Commission :
Darjeeling and Kalimpong, despite having the lowest turnouts in the state, still posted strong figures of over 82%, with Kalimpong at 82.91% .
Despite the peaceful nature of the voting in most regions, the day was not without isolated incidents of violence and technical glitches.
Clashes and Violence: Sporadic incidents of violence were reported from several pockets. In Murshidabad, a clash broke out between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and supporters of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) led by Humayun Kabir. A crude bomb was thrown in the Nowda area, injuring several individuals, leading to an altercation between TMC workers and police . Security personnel had to resort to mild lathicharge to control the escalating situation.
EVM Glitches: In Birbhum district, specifically under the Dubrajpur Assembly constituency, protests erupted after locals alleged EVM glitches. Electors claimed that votes cast for the TMC were being registered for the BJP. Voting was halted for nearly 30 minutes, and when an argument broke out between polling officials and voters, central forces had to intervene, resulting in a clash where security personnel were injured and a police vehicle was damaged .
Allegations of Intimidation: BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul from Asansol Dakshin alleged that her car was pelted with stones and its rear windowpanes were shattered while she was traveling near Rahmat Nagar. Another BJP candidate from Kumarganj, Subhendu Sarkar, claimed he was injured and his car vandalized by TMC workers .
West Bengal is not the only state witnessing a high-voltage electoral battle. On the same day, Tamil Nadu voted for all its 234 assembly seats in a single phase, recording a record turnout of 84.80%, the highest in the state since Independence .
In West Bengal, the first phase covered strategic areas across eight North Bengal districts along with Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum, and Hooghly . The political fate of 1,478 candidates is now sealed in the EVMs, which have been transported to strong rooms under heavy security surveillance .
The second phase of the West Bengal elections will cover the remaining 142 seats on April 29, 2026. The counting of votes for both phases, along with the results for all poll-bound states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, will take place on May 4, 2026 .
1. When did the first phase of the West Bengal Election 2026 take place?
The first phase was held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 7 AM to 6 PM.
2. How many seats went to polls in Phase 1 of the Bengal Elections?
A total of 152 assembly constituencies across 16 districts voted in the first phase .
3. What was the final voter turnout in West Bengal Phase 1?
The final voter turnout recorded was 92.25%, which is the highest-ever polling percentage in the state since Independence .
4. When is the second phase of voting in West Bengal?
The second and final phase of the West Bengal elections will be held on April 29, 2026 .
5. When will the results for the West Bengal Election 2026 be declared?
The counting of votes will take place on May 4, 2026, and the results for all poll-bound states will be declared on the same day .
6. Which district recorded the highest voter turnout in Phase 1?
Dakshin Dinajpur recorded the highest turnout at 94.64%, closely followed by Cooch Behar .
7. Were there any incidents of violence during the Phase 1 polling?
Yes, isolated incidents of violence were reported, including a bomb blast and stone-pelting in Murshidabad, and EVM glitch protests in Birbhum. However, the Election Commission confirmed that the polling was conducted largely peacefully .
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