Polling progresses peacefully across 152 constituencies as early trends show strong voter participation
Kolkata, April 23 (H.S.): The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 witnessed steady and peaceful polling on Thursday morning, with an average voter turnout of 18.76% recorded between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. across 152 constituencies. Paschim Medinipur led the early turnout figures among all districts.
According to data released by the Election Commission, Paschim Medinipur recorded the highest turnout at 20.51% during the initial two hours. Bankura followed closely with 20.20%, while Jhargram registered 19.84%. Birbhum recorded 19.01% and Paschim Bardhaman 19%.
Among other districts, Murshidabad reported 18.88% polling, Dakshin Dinajpur and Purba Medinipur both recorded 18.81%, Darjeeling saw 18.80%, Kalimpong 18.74%, and Jalpaiguri 18.50%.
Meanwhile, Alipurduar registered 17.70% turnout, Purulia 17.83%, Cooch Behar 17.56%, and Uttar Dinajpur 17.54%. Malda reported the lowest turnout so far at 16.96%.
Polling Details
Polling in this phase is being conducted across 152 constituencies spanning 16 districts, including all districts of North Bengal, along with key western region districts, Murshidabad, Paschim Bardhaman, and Purba Medinipur. A total of 1,478 candidates are contesting, including 167 women candidates.
Security and Arrangements
Extensive security arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth and fair voting. Polling stations are under the supervision of central armed forces, supported by webcasting, surveillance systems, and special election observers.
Long queues were witnessed at several polling booths early in the day, indicating strong voter enthusiasm in the opening hours.
Outlook
Political observers are closely monitoring whether voter turnout continues to rise through the day, as the first phase is considered crucial in setting the tone for the remaining stages of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.
(With inputs from H.S.) Inputs & Images courtesy: Hindusthan Samachar (H.S.)
Edited by: Dikshita Bollu
Last Updated on: Thursday, April 23, 2026 2:00 pm by Bollu Dikshitha | Published by: Bollu Dikshitha on Thursday, April 23, 2026 2:00 pm | News Categories: India
About The Author
