West Bengal Election 2026 Phase 1 Voting Today: Polling Starts at 7 AM Across 152 Seats Under Tight Security

West Bengal’s high-stakes Assembly Election 2026 officially enters its first major phase today as polling begins across 152 assembly constituencies spread over 16 districts. Voting started sharply at 7 AM on Thursday, April 23, and will continue until 6 PM, with long queues already visible outside polling booths in several districts since early morning.

This first phase is being viewed as politically significant because it covers several key battleground constituencies across North Bengal and important districts in South Bengal, including Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum, Hooghly, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, East Midnapore, and West Midnapore.

More than 3.6 crore eligible voters are expected to cast their votes today and decide the fate of 1,478 candidates contesting in this phase, including 167 women candidates. The election battle is primarily being seen as a direct contest between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), though Congress and Left alliances are also trying to make an impact.

Massive Security Deployment Across Sensitive Districts

To ensure peaceful and fair polling, the Election Commission has deployed a massive security apparatus across the state. A total of 2,407 companies of central armed police forces have been stationed, along with state police personnel and election officials.

Murshidabad has received the highest concentration of security deployment with 316 companies, followed by East Midnapore with 273 companies. Nearly half a million personnel from central forces and state police are engaged in managing polling operations and preventing any law-and-order disruptions.

Sensitive and border districts are under special surveillance, with strict monitoring in booths identified as vulnerable. Prohibitory orders and border sealing measures have also been implemented in select areas to maintain peace during voting.

Voter Advisory: Carry Valid ID and Vote Early

The Election Commission has advised voters to carry valid voter identification proof before heading to polling stations. Acceptable documents include EPIC voter ID cards, Aadhaar cards, passports, PAN cards, and other approved government-issued identification documents.

With the India Meteorological Department warning of rising temperatures across the state, voters have also been advised to cast their votes early in the day, preferably before 11 AM, to avoid peak afternoon heat between 11 AM and 4 PM.

Polling booths are equipped with basic facilities, and election officials have urged citizens to follow queue discipline and cooperate with polling staff for a smooth voting process.

Why Phase 1 Matters So Much

Political analysts believe Phase 1 could set the tone for the entire West Bengal Assembly Election 2026. Out of the total 294 assembly seats, 152 are voting today, making it the largest and most influential opening phase.

The ruling TMC is aiming to retain power for another term, while BJP is looking to strengthen its position and make major electoral gains. Several constituencies voting today are considered swing seats where margins are expected to be extremely close.

This makes Phase 1 not just a voting day, but a crucial indicator of Bengal’s political mood heading into the second phase scheduled for April 29.

Counting Date and Final Result

The second phase of polling for the remaining 142 constituencies will take place on April 29, 2026. Counting of votes for all 294 assembly seats is scheduled for May 4, 2026.

As Bengal votes today, all eyes remain on voter turnout percentages, early trends, and how effectively parties mobilize support across key districts.

For millions of voters, today is not just about choosing a representative—it is about shaping the political future of West Bengal for the next five years.