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)

The Election Commission of India has issued a notice to Mallikarjun Kharge over his “terrorist” remark about Narendra Modi. The action came after a BJP delegation, including Nirmala Sitharaman, Kiren Rijiju and Arjun Ram Meghwal, met the poll panel and raised a complaint. The EC said the remark may violate election rules and asked Kharge to reply within 24 hours. Kharge later said he meant Modi was “terrorising people and political parties.” He also denied calling the Prime Minister a terrorist. (PC: NDTV)

The Election Commission has told hotels in Bengal’s coastal areas not to host non-local visitors before polling. The order applies from April 21 evening till voting ends on April 23. It has been strictly enforced in Digha and Mandarmani. Officials said the move aims to stop “outsiders” from entering as tourists and causing unrest. Police used announcements to ask tourists to leave and warned of checks. Hotels said such orders were seen earlier but never enforced so tightly. The directive, along with curbs on bikes and confusion over a longer liquor ban, has triggered political tension in the state. (PC: India Today)

The Election Commission of India will examine a complaint by Opposition parties against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his April 18 address. Leaders from Left parties and others wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging the speech violated the Model Code of Conduct. Sources said the matter will be reviewed by the Commission’s code division. The poll code has been in force since March 15. CPI(M) leader M A Baby said using a public broadcaster during elections “creates an uneven playing field”. Around 700 citizens also filed similar complaints. (PC: X)