BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul’s car was pelted with stones and its rear windowpanes were shattered near Rahmat Nagar in her Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency on Thursday (April 23, 2026), police said.

“Stones were thrown at my moving car as I was exiting a polling booth premises. The rear window was shattered. It is very clear who is behind this. This is an attempt to influence the election,” she told reporters.-- PTI

BJP candidate from Kumarganj, Subhendu Sarkar, claimed that he was injured and his car was vandalised by TMC workers who attacked him in his Assembly constituency.

Speaking with the media, Subhendu Sarkar alleged that agents in multiple polling stations were “forcibly removed” and when he went to assess the situation on ground at Booth No. 24, the TMC workers allegedly attacked him and his team. He further alleged that the Central forces deployed at the station were not present during the attack. 

“In the Kumarganj Assembly constituency, our polling agents in 8-10 polling stations were forcibly removed. I personally intervened and ensured they were allowed back inside. When I visited Booth No. 24 to inspect the situation on the ground, they launched an attack on my entire team and me; they were clearly intent on creating an atmosphere of intimidation and fear... Central Forces were present at the polling station itself — they were inside the premises. But when I arrived on the scene, I was accompanied only by my bodyguard; there was no one else with us,” he said. Expressing infuriation and disappointment over the incident, Mr. Sarkar said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is acting out of “fear and desperation.”

“Mamata Banerjee has lost the election, and Trinamool Congress are losing all four seats in this region. Out of sheer desperation and fear, they launched an attack on us,” he asserted. -- ANI

West Bengal recorded brisk polling on Thursday (April 23, 2026) with over 62% of the 3.60 crore electors in the first phase of the Assembly elections exercising their franchise till 1 p.m. amid sporadic incidents of violence, voter intimidation and assault on a BJP candidate.

Polling in 16 districts that began at 7 a.m. on Thursday (April 23, 2026) will decide the electoral fate of 1,478 candidates, including 167 women, in 152 constituencies of the 294-strong state Assembly.

Braving hot and humid conditions, voters queued up in large numbers outside polling booths since morning, with voting picking up pace as the hours progressed.

The voter turnout was 18.76 per cent in the first two hours, and it slowly gathered pace, reaching 41.11% at 11 a.m. and 62.18% at 1 p.m., according to the Election Commission.

District-wise data showed Paschim Medinipur leading in voter turnout at 65.77%, followed by Jhargram at 65.31%, and Bankura at 64%. A relatively lower turnout was recorded in Malda, 58.45%, Cooch Behar, 60.75%, and Alipurduar, 60.03%. -- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (April 23, 2026) congratulated the people of West Bengal for their massive turnout in the ongoing first phase of assembly elections, and called the vote figures so far indicative of an “overwhelming mandate for change”.

Addressing a poll rally in Krishnanagar in Nadia district, Mr. Modi asserted that violence during the assembly polls remained at a minimum in 50 years.

“Violence was kept at a minimum in the last 50 years of poll history in Bengal. The information I have received so far makes me certain that this is going to be a mandate for a change,” the PM said.

He claimed the BJP has achieved decisive victories whenever people turned up to vote in overwhelming numbers.

Bengal has recorded an average voter turnout of 62.18% till 1 p.m.

Reports of sporadic violence were received from some pockets of the State during the first few hours of polls in 152 assembly seats. -- PTI

Sporadic incidents of violence and assaults on candidates marred polling in parts of West Bengal on Thursday (April 23, 2026) as the first phase of the Assembly elections progressed across 152 constituencies, prompting the Election Commission of India (ECI) to seek reports from trouble-hit pockets.

The State recorded a brisk voter turnout of over 62.18% till 1 p.m. on Thursday (April 23, 2026), reflecting a strong early participation.

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The CPI(M)’s West Bengal Secretary Md Salim said the first phase polling in the State on Thursday (April 23, 2026) largely has been peaceful as he blamed the Election Commission for the sporadic incidents of scuffle reported from some places.

Asked about the allegation that the BJP’s Kumarganj candidate in Dakshin Dinajpur district was manhandled by Trinamool supporters, he said the poll panel and police observers should have been more alert.

“Polling so far has been overall peaceful, barring some violence in Birbhum and some parts of Murshidabad. All said and done, ECI’s incapability is evident,” Mr. Salim told PTI.

Sporadic incidents of violence and assaults on candidates marred polling in parts of West Bengal, prompting the Election Commission to seek reports from trouble-hit pockets. -- PTI

The Congress party on Thursday (April 23, 2026) filed a complaint with West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer, alleging that their party agents were forcibly removed by Trinamool Congress workers in Bharatpur Assembly Constituency.

“It has come to notice that in Booth Nos. 157, 158, 159, 160, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168 and 169, the polling agents of the Indian National Congress have been forcibly removed,” the complaint read. 

“In their absence, polling is reportedly being conducted by ruling party workers in an unlawful manner, which is a serious violation of the principles of free and fair elections,” a Congress leader told The Hindu. -- The Hindu Bureau

Several prominent political leaders, including leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari, BJP’s Dilip Ghosh, Congress’ Mausam Benazir Noor and TMC’s Udayan Guha cast their votes and appealed for peaceful polling in the first phase of the two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections on Thursday.

In Purba Medinipur district, Mr. Adhikari cast his vote at Nandanaykbar Primary School near his Shanti Kunja residence in Kanthi shortly before 8 am.

Speaking to reporters after voting, Mr. Adhikari, who is contesting from nearby Nandigram constituency, urged people to ensure peaceful polling.

“I pray for peaceful voting. They (TMC) could not create much disturbance, nor will they be able to. The night before polling is usually crucial. Prima facie, the Election Commission and the central forces deserve thanks,” he said.

“After Surya Pranam, I came and cast my vote. This vote is doubly significant as women, Sanatani Hindus and other ‘rashtrabadi’ (nationalist) communities are united to give a befitting reply to the atrocities of Mamata Banerjee and her party workers,” he added.

He also claimed that the result would be “overwhelming” in the BJP’s favour as “names of dead and bogus voters” have been deleted from the electoral rolls.

Besides seeking a re-election from Nandigram, Mr. Adhikari is also fighting against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, which will go to the polls in the second phase on April 29. -- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses an election rally in Krishnanngar says first election across five decades in West Bengal where violence has been negligible. 

Mr. Modi congratulated Election Commission for holding violence free elections. -- Shiv Sahay Singh

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Thursday (April 23, 2026) cast his vote at a polling station in Balurghat during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, describing the polling process as peaceful and urging citizens to participate in large numbers.

After casting his vote, *Mr. Majumdar said voting was being conducted smoothly across constituencies. “I have cast my vote this morning. Voting is taking place peacefully. I congratulate the Election Commission for this. I appeal to people to come and vote,” he said.

He further appreciated the Election Commission’s role in monitoring the electoral process but suggested increased vigilance in certain areas.

“The Election Commission is very vigilant... I feel that the Election Commission needs to be even more vigilant in places like Murshidabad,” Mr. Majumdar added.

Commenting on other constituencies, Mr. Majumdar said polling was also proceeding peacefully in Nandigram. “Peaceful voting is happening in Nandigram as well. Suvendu Adhikari is going to win there by a huge margin,” he said. -- ANI

In an election where numbers, narratives and nerves are being closely tracked, it was an unlikely “voter” — a wandering elephant named ‘Ramlal’ — that briefly stole the poll spotlight in West Bengal’s Jhargram on Thursday (April 23, 2026) morning.

Before polling could gather pace at Jitushol Primary School, a booth tucked deep inside the forested belt of Jangalmahal, the jumbo ambled in, turning an otherwise routine start into a spectacle that blended anxiety with amusement. -- PTI

The TMC on Thursday (April 23, 2026) accused the police of working in favour of the BJP in Nandigram, while Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari alleged that goons backed by the ruling party were threatening people in the area as voting was underway in the first phase of West Bengal Assembly polls.

Addressing a press conference, State minister Shashi Panja alleged that police personnel deployed in Nandigram in Purba Medinipur district were acting in favour of the BJP.

She said a TMC delegation met Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal and lodged a formal complaint, seeking the removal of two police officers from poll duty.

“The presence of these officers is raising serious concerns about the neutrality in the polling process,” she claimed.

The BJP rejected the allegations, with Adhikari alleging that “TMC-sheltered goons” were threatening voters. -- PTI

Rajya Sabha MP Harsh V Shringla on Thursday (April 23, 2026) cast his vote at a polling station in 23 Darjeeling Constituency in the first phase of polling for West Bengal assembly elections.

Speaking with the media after casting a vote, Mr. Shringla said the people’s vote should be for “development, security and positive change.”

“We have cast our vote here today... A lot of people have come from various regions in Darjeeling to support us. The vote should be for development and security and a positive change in Bengal,” he said. -- ANI

According to Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal witnessed 41.11% polling as of 11 a.m.

Paschim Medinipur recorded highest polling percentage as of 11 a.m. with 44.69%. Cooch Behar 38.67%, Alipurduar 38.8%, Jalpaiguri 39.51%, Kalimpong 39.61%, Darjeeling 39.72%, Uttar Dinajpur 39.04%, Malda 38.22, Murshidabad 41.59%, Purbo Medinipur 42.16%, Jhargram 43.71%. Purulia 39.16%, Bankura 43.22%, Paschim Bardhaman 40.24% and Birbhum 41.92% followed suit. -- The Hindu Bureau

As the first phase of polling is underway in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress on Thursday (April 23, 2026) alleged that three women were assaulted by the CRPF personnel at Lakhipur ward, booth No. 163 of Uttar Dinajpur district. Out of three women, one suffered head injury, a TMC leader claimed. -- Shiv Sahay Singh

Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir on Thursday alleged the ruling Trinamool Congress bribed several of his party candidates to keep them out of the poll fray.

M.r Kabir, who cast his vote during the early hours of polling, was met with protests from Trinamool Congress supporters who raised “go back” slogans when the leader visited a polling booth in Shibnagar village in Murshidabad’s Naoda Assembly constituency.

The protesters, led by local TMC leaders, surrounded Kabir’s vehicle and raised slogans while branding him a “BJP agent”. The demonstration sparked tension in the area around the polling station. -- PTI

A clash broke out in Murshidabad during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections as Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers raised slogans and entered into an altercation with police upon the arrival of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir in the area.

Security personnel were deployed to control the situation as tensions escalated between party workers and police during the polling process. The police were forced to use mild lathicharge to dispel some of the crowd, but denied that the situation was out of hand.

ASP Majid Khan said, “The situation is peaceful. Nothing has happened anywhere...” AUJP Chief Humayun Kabir said that he had appealed to his party cadre to remain calm.”

“I told all my people to stay calm. I want the voting and election to happen peacefully, and everyone should participate. My aim or intention is not to hit, scare, or threaten anyone,” he said. -- ANI

Former Law Minister Kapil Sibal on Thursday (April 23, 2026) launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission, accusing it of carrying out an “experiment in disenfranchisement” in West Bengal and asked “why have an election”.

The Rajya Sabha MP also took a swipe at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, saying he must be awarded with a Padma Bhushan.

In a post on X, Mr. Sibal said, “Election Commission: (West Bengal Election). Experiment in disenfranchisement. The CEC must be awarded with a Padam Bhushan!” “My question: Why have an election?” Mr. Sibal said. -- PTI

The Election Commission of India on Thursday (April 23, 2026) sought a report from officials over allegations that several people were prevented from casting their votes in Murshidabad district’s Domkal during the first phase of the West Bengal assembly polls on Thursday, officials said.

Several voters in Domkal alleged that they were threatened and intimidated, with some claiming they were warned of assault if they attempted to reach polling stations.

In Raipur village, under the Domkal Assembly constituency, several people claimed that armed people were staying in the area since early morning, creating an atmosphere of fear.

The allegations were directed at the ruling TMC, though the party did not immediately respond to the charges.

People also alleged that neither the local police nor the central forces were seen in the area early in the morning. However, the situation improved later in the day after a large police contingent, along with central forces, reached the area.

“The Election Commission has sought a report on charges of voter intimidation in Domkal,” officials said.

They added that voters were subsequently escorted to polling booths under security cover, and voting resumed in an orderly manner. -- PTI

Nandigram is the stronghold of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. 

Mr. Adhikari had defeated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from Nandigram in the 2021 Assembly elections by a narrow margin, making the constituency one of the most politically significant battlegrounds in the State. 

One in every five candidates for the first phase of West Bengal Assembly Elections, making 294 out of 1,475 poll aspirants, have self-declared serious criminal cases in their affidavits, a report by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and West Bengal Election watch revealed. As many as 23% candidates (345) in the poll fray have self-sworn to be charged under criminal cases.

Read full report here

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday urged the people of West Bengal to vote in large numbers and ensure that the ideals of democracy, social justice, equality, and freedom remain intact.

In a post on X, Mr. Kharge said, “As West Bengal votes in the first phase of Assembly elections today, I sincerely urge all citizens to step out and participate in large numbers. Do not be deterred by forces that seek to discourage you.” “Your vote is your voice, and it must be resoundingly heard,” he said.

Urging the people of the State to follow the path shown by the Constitution and uphold the spirit of democracy, the Congress chief said, “West Bengal is the proud land of great leaders who stood for Democracy, social justice, equality, and freedom. We need to ensure those ideals remain intact.” “I make a special appeal to the first-time voters – exercise your right with conviction and help ensure that true development reaches every corner of the state. Jai Hind. Jai Bangla,” Mr. Kharge said in his post.

-PTI

Trinamool Congress on Thursday urged the people of the State to come and vote in large numbers. 

In a statement, the party said, “The first phase of polling is underway in Bengal. We call on every single voter to exercise their democratic franchise, freely, fairly, and without fear. Walk in with your head held high. Vote to honour our Maa. Vote to defend our Mati. Vote to protect our Manush.

Vote to sustain the momentum of development in a Swanirbhor Bangla. Vote to safeguard the rights of every individual. And vote to answer decisively for the years of neglect, torment, deprivation, and exploitation inflicted by Bangla-Birodhi Bohiragoto Zamindars...,” the party added. 

-Shiv Sahay Singh

Voters at some polling booths in Domkal area of Murshidabad alleged threats and intimidation and sought protection from central forces to cast their vote. 

Four persons were injured in Domkal in political clashes yesterday.

-Shiv Sahay Singh

The Supreme Court has declared that electors purged from the voter list during the West Bengal Special Intensive Revision, but subsequently cleared by Appellate Tribunals by April 21 or April 27, must be allowed to vote in the Assembly election.

The order by a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant spelt a huge reprieve for citizens whose right to vote was denied in the SIR under the “logical discrepancy” category. Over 34 lakh appeals were filed as on April 11.

The court, issuing directions in exercise of its extraordinary constitutional powers under Article 142, ordered the Election Commission to publish a “supplementary revised electoral roll” containing the names of those who won their appeals by April 21, ahead of the first phase of polling in West Bengal on April 23, or by April 27, prior to the second phase on April 29.

Read more

“There is only one message, bring change. Give the responsibility of the State to the Bharatiya Janata Party. I pray for a peaceful election. Till now they (TMC) have not been able to create a lot of problems,” Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said after casting his vote. 

Long queues of voters were seen outside polling stations in Asansol as voting got underway in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on Thursday.

Returning Officer for Asansol Uttar, Aghore Kumar Roy, on Wednesday said all arrangements had been put in place to ensure smooth and peaceful polling in the constituency. 

Polling started at 7 a.m. with voters queueing up outside booths in districts ranging from Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri in the north to Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum and Hooghly in the south. 

The opening round covers more than half of the State’s 294 Assembly seats and is being seen as the BJP’s best opportunity to make an early breakthrough and the ruling Trinamool Congress’ most important test in its bid for a fourth consecutive term. 

According to the Election Commission, over 3.60 crore electors are eligible to vote in this phase, including around 1.75 crore women and 465 third-gender voters. 

The Election Commission has placed districts such as Malda, Murshidabad, Uttar Dinajpur, Cooch Behar, Birbhum and Purba Bardhaman under special surveillance. 

-PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appealed to the people of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to “enthusiastically” take part in the voting for the Assembly elections in their States.

Mr. Modi especially urged the youth and women of the two States to vote in record numbers. 

The Prime Minister, in another post, said, “Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly elections takes place today. I urge all citizens to participate in this festival of democracy with full strength. I especially appeal to my young friends and to the women of West Bengal to vote in large numbers”. 

-PTI

Polling for the Assembly elections began in and West Bengal (Phase 1) amid tight security on Thursday. 

The voting will conclude at 6:00 p.m. today. 

Before the start of voting, mock polls were conducted at polling stations across the State.

ANI

The promise of jobs, especially for youth, is a highlight in the manifestos of both the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front and the Congress, ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

While the Left Front manifesto released on April 4 promised one permanent job for every family, the Congress, which announced its manifesto on April 7, 2026, vowed that all vacant government posts will be filled in the first Cabinet meeting if the party comes to power.

Describing the Trinamool Congress as a “sidekick” of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary Mohhamed Salim said the West Bengal Assembly polls would be a fight between the “Left and the Right”.

He alleged that both the BJP and the Trinamool Congress had attempted to whip up communal passions during elections by raising several issues, including the construction of temples and mosques. The CPI(M) leader said, “Both parties have been forced to talk about jobs and employment in election campaigns, which is a success for the Left parties.”

Read full report here

A record 2,450 companies of Central paramilitary forces that comprise nearly 2.5 lakh personnel have been deployed by the Election Commission for the polls.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday (April 22, 2026) expressed surprise over the deployment of CRPF armoured vehicles for maintaining law and order during the Assembly polls, alleging that the BJP-led Centre has engaged all wings of the government to work in its favour.

“Around two lakh central force personnel have been brought into Bengal for the elections. This is unprecedented. Are they trying to intimidate me by deploying so many forces?” she asked.

West Bengal is set to go to polls in the crucial first phase of the Assembly elections on Thursday (April 23, 2206). About 3.60 crore voters will cast their ballot to determine the fate of 1,452 candidates.

Voting will be held from 7 a.m. onwards for 152 Assembly seats spread across 16 districts, eight in north Bengal and eight in south Bengal.