Kolkata, April 23
Voting in West Bengal gathered pace on Thursday, with more than 41% turnout recorded by 11am in the first phase of assembly elections, according to the Election Commission of India.
Polling began at 7am across 152 constituencies in 16 districts, covering a significant portion of the state’s 294 seats. Around 3.6 crore voters are eligible to take part, deciding the fate of 1,478 candidates, including 167 women.
After a modest start in the early hours, participation increased steadily through the morning. Districts such as Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram and Bankura reported relatively higher turnout, while Malda, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar lagged behind.
The voting process has been largely peaceful, though officials reported a number of complaints and minor disruptions. Technical issues with electronic voting machines (EVMs) were flagged in parts of Murshidabad, Malda and Nandigram, briefly slowing polling in some areas.
There were also scattered reports of tension. In Murshidabad, political disagreements led to protests and confrontations, while in Purba Medinipur clashes broke out between rival party supporters before security forces stepped in to restore order.
An unusual moment unfolded in Jhargram, where an elephant wandered near a polling station, causing panic among voters before officials brought the situation under control.
Key candidates in this phase include Suvendu Adhikari, who voted early and expressed confidence in his party’s performance. Meanwhile, leaders from the ruling Trinamool Congress and opposition parties traded accusations over alleged intimidation and bias by local authorities.
Election officials said hundreds of complaints had been received through formal channels and mobile monitoring apps, with some cases relating to voter access and alleged threats. Authorities have sought reports on these incidents and increased security where needed.
This phase includes all seats in north Bengal and key regions of south Bengal and Junglemahal, seen as crucial battlegrounds between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the ruling All India Trinamool Congress.
Voting is scheduled to continue until 6pm. The next phase will be held on April 29, with counting set for May 4.
