On April 23, 2026, polling kicked off in 152 assembly constituencies in West Bengal during the first phase of the state elections. The election process is divided into two phases, with a second phase scheduled for April 29. This election cycle comprises a total of 294 assembly seats, and the counting of votes will take place on May 4.

The political atmosphere is charged as major parties, including the incumbent All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), compete fiercely for voter support. AITC won a significant majority in the last assembly elections, securing 215 out of 294 seats in 2021.

Voter turnout is being closely monitored, with reports indicating an early turnout of 18.76% by 9 AM IST. As both parties engage in active campaigning, issues surrounding governance, welfare policies, and local development are at the forefront of voter concerns.

In this phase, constituencies across various districts, from Cooch Behar to Birbhum, will be pivotal battlegrounds. The elections in West Bengal are characterized by high political engagement and are known for intense rivalries, reflecting the dynamic nature of the state's electoral politics.

Security measures have been heightened to ensure a smooth voting process amidst prior incidents of tension and unrest in the region. As voters head to the polls, the outcome of this phase is anticipated to shape the political narrative in West Bengal in the coming years.