West Bengal Elections 2026: Phase 1 Voting Begins Across 152 Seats
High voter turnout, tight security, and early political stakes dominate crucial first phase
Voting for Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 began at 7 a.m., covering 152 constituencies across 16 districts. With nearly 3.6 crore voters and 1,452 candidates in the fray, the day marks a significant start to a high-stakes electoral battle.
The Election Commission of India has deployed around 2,450 companies of central forces to ensure smooth polling. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India has allowed voters cleared by tribunals after revision to participate, offering relief to many.
Long queues were seen in several districts, indicating strong voter enthusiasm. However, reports of intimidation surfaced in parts of Murshidabad, highlighting ongoing concerns around poll-related tensions.
Politically, the election is crucial for the ruling All India Trinamool Congress, which is aiming for a fourth consecutive term, while the Bharatiya Janata Party is looking to expand its footprint, particularly in North Bengal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens, especially youth and women, to vote in large numbers, calling it a “festival of democracy.”
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