West Bengal recorded 62.18% voter turnout by 1 pm in Phase 1 polling, the Election Commission said. Voting began at 7 am across 152 seats. Violence was reported in Murshidabad’s Nowda after a crude bomb injured several people. This led to clashes between TMC and AUJP workers. Police used mild force to control the crowd. EVM glitches disrupted voting at some booths. In Raghunathpur, ink was smeared on the lotus symbol in an EVM. CRPF later said the issue was fixed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said people were angry with the ruling party. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh claimed a strong wave. (PC: HT)

A clash broke out in Murshidabad during the West Bengal Assembly elections as workers of the Trinamool Congress confronted supporters of Aam Janata Unnayan Party leader Humayun Kabir. Tensions escalated when Kabir arrived in the area, prompting slogan-shouting and an altercation that involved police personnel. Security forces were deployed swiftly, and mild lathicharge was used to disperse sections of the crowd. Authorities maintained that the situation remained under control and largely peaceful. Kabir appealed for calm, urging his supporters to avoid confrontation and ensure smooth voting. The incident highlights sporadic tensions during polling despite heightened security arrangements across sensitive constituencies in the state.

Voting for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 and Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 began at 7 am under tight security, with steady turnout reported. West Bengal recorded 41.11% voter participation during Phase 1 across 152 seats in 16 districts, while Tamil Nadu saw 37.56% turnout in its single-phase election covering all 234 constituencies. Authorities deployed central forces and ensured extensive logistical arrangements to maintain peaceful polling. With over 5.7 crore voters in Tamil Nadu alone, officials emphasised adherence to guidelines and identity verification. Campaigning concluded earlier, setting up key electoral contests. Voting continues smoothly, with counting scheduled later as per Election Commission timelines. (PC: X)

A report by Association for Democratic Reforms and West Bengal Election Watch has revealed that 294 out of 1,475 candidates contesting Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 have declared serious criminal cases. Overall, 345 candidates, or 23%, admitted to having criminal charges in their affidavits. This means nearly one in five candidates in the fray faces serious allegations, raising concerns about the criminalisation of politics. The findings are based on self-sworn disclosures submitted by candidates. The report has once again highlighted the need for electoral reforms, greater transparency, and stricter scrutiny of candidates’ backgrounds ahead of voting. (PC: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap)

Polling during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 was disrupted at several locations due to Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) glitches, officials said. Voting was halted or delayed in multiple booths across districts including Murshidabad, Purba Medinipur, Cooch Behar, Malda and Darjeeling. In some cases, polling began late, while in others it was temporarily suspended before resuming after repairs. Key affected constituencies included Beldanga, Samsherganj, Kandi, Nandigram, Habibpur and Siliguri. Additionally, incidents of overnight violence were reported despite heavy security deployment. Authorities worked to restore voting operations quickly, ensuring minimal disruption. The glitches highlighted logistical challenges even as voters turned out in large numbers to participate in the democratic process.

During the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, voters at a polling station in Jhargram witnessed an unusual interruption when an elephant wandered near the voting site. The unexpected visit, captured in a viral video, showed people reacting with surprise while maintaining distance for safety. Such incidents are not uncommon in forest-fringe areas where human settlements overlap with elephant corridors. Local authorities and forest officials typically manage these situations to prevent harm. Despite the disruption, polling continued smoothly, with officials ensuring voter safety. The incident added a rare and striking moment to an otherwise routine democratic exercise in West Bengal this year.

Voting began in 152 seats of West Bengal in phase one, with a direct fight between the TMC and BJP. Around 3.6 crore voters are eligible in this phase. The BJP ran a campaign on nationalism and corruption claims. The TMC focused on welfare schemes and Bengali identity. It also questioned voter roll changes, saying deletions affected lakhs. Women voters remain key, with both sides promising cash support.   In Tamil Nadu, all 234 seats are voting in one phase. The DMK, AIADMK-BJP alliance, and Vijay’s TVK are in a three-way contest. The DMK highlighted governance, while TVK targeted young voters. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Trinamool Congress has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of trying to influence West Bengal polls by arranging trains for voters. TMC MP Derek O'Brien wrote to the Election Commission of India, alleging “violation of election laws”. He claimed trains were used to bring voters from Surat to Bengal. “The Indian Railways… cannot be deployed… for partisan electoral purposes,” his letter said. He also raised concerns over “misuse of official position”. The BJP has not responded to the claims. Bengal votes in two phases on April 23 and 29. (PC: HT)

Voting began in 152 seats of West Bengal in phase one, with a direct fight between the TMC and BJP. Around 3.6 crore voters are eligible in this phase. The BJP ran a campaign on nationalism and corruption claims. The TMC focused on welfare schemes and Bengali identity. It also questioned voter roll changes, saying deletions affected lakhs. Women voters remain key, with both sides promising cash support.   In Tamil Nadu, all 234 seats are voting in one phase. The DMK, AIADMK-BJP alliance, and Vijay’s TVK are in a three-way contest. The DMK highlighted governance, while TVK targeted young voters. (PC: India Today)

Mamata Banerjee’s Lakshmir Bhandar scheme remains a key issue in north Bengal before voting. Many women said the monthly aid helps daily needs. “We trust Mamata because she has already given it,” one worker said. The Bharatiya Janata Party has promised ₹3,000 per month, but some voters doubt delivery. At the same time, TMC claims that BJP may ban fish and meat have sparked debate. Some residents fear change in food habits, while others reject the claim. Views remain divided across areas like Siliguri and Jalpaiguri ahead of polling. (PC: HT)