Kolkata, Apr 23: The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 began today, April 23, with polling across 152 constituencies in 16 districts. Voting started at 7 AM and will continue until 6 PM, with voters already queuing up at booths in districts such as Darjeeling, Siliguri, Cooch Behar, Raiganj, Malda, Murshidabad, Asansol, Bankura, and Baharampur.

The Election Commission has set up 44,376 polling stations, including nearly 3,000 auxiliary booths. Notably, 5,444 booths are managed entirely by women, and 207 model booths have been created to encourage voter participation. Over 3.6 crore voters will decide the fate of more than 1,400 candidates in this phase.

Security has been tightened, with 2,450 companies of central paramilitary forces deployed to ensure free and fair polling. Webcasting facilities are being used extensively to monitor booths.

The political battle remains largely bipolar, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee seeking a fourth consecutive term, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aiming to expand its foothold after strong gains in 2021. For the Congress and Left Front, this election is crucial to regain relevance in the state.

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West Bengal is witnessing the first phase of its 2026 Assembly elections, with voting underway across 152 constituencies in 16 districts. The contest is primarily between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging youth and women voters to participate actively.

The second phase of voting will be held on April 29, covering 142 constituencies, while results will be declared on May 4. The outcome of this first phase is expected to set the tone for the rest of the election.