Kumar Bahukhandi
People stand in a queue to cast their vote during Phase 1 voting at Nandigram in West Bengal on April 23, 2026. – Photo Credit: channel24india.com
Sporadic incidents of violence were reported over EVM glitches, voter intimidation and attacks on candidates, including on two from BJP
Voting across 152 constituencies in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections ended on Thursday (April 23, 2026) with a massive voter turnout of 91.83% (as of 8 p.m.) amid sporadic incidents of violence. The Election Commission of India (ECI) hailed the polling percentage, calling it the “highest ever since Independence”.
Dakshin Dinajpur leads with 93.12% turnout, followed by Coochbehar at 92.07% and Murshidabad with 91.36%. Almost all of the 16 districts going to polls in the first phase registered more than 86% voting. The opening phase will decide the electoral fate of 1,478 candidates in 152 constituencies of the 294-strong State Assembly.
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, police said.
Another 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.
A clash broke out in Murshidabad 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.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) also sought a report from officials over allegations that several people were prevented from casting their votes in Murshidabad district’s Domkal, officials said.
The second phase will be held on April 29, when 142 seats in and around Kolkata go to polls. The votes will be counted on May 4.
