West Bengal Election 2026 highlights: 91.58% turnout in WB's phase 1, CEC hails ‘highest-ever polling percentage’
West Bengal Assembly Voting 2026 highlights: A voter turnout of 91.58% was recorded in Bengal Phase 1 polls on Thursday. The day saw reports of violence coming from Murshidabad where a bomb was thrown at people before a scuffle broke out between TMC and Humanyun Kabir's AJUP workers.
West Bengal election 2026 highlights: Voter turnout of 91.58% was recorded till 5 pm in first phase of West Bengal elections on Thursday, as per Election Commission of India. Out of the total 294 assembly constituencies, 152 cast their vote today. The voting for Bengal's first phase started at 7 am....Read More
The poll battle in West Bengal continued to be charged as PM Modi took potshots at TMC while speaking at a rally in Nadia. He said that this time, people of Bengal are angry with TMC and that Mamata Banerjee-led party may not be able to open their accounts in many cities.
Reports of clashes and violence also emerged from some pockets as the TMC and AUJP workers reportdly engaged in an altercation after a blast injured several people in Nowda of Murshidabad district earlier on Thursday morning. In a video, AUJP chief Humayun Kabir was also seen fighting with the workers from TMC.
A bomb blast incident was reported in Bengal's Murshidabad district, following which, AUJP's Humayun Kabir visited the site. However, his visit led to a clash between TMC workers and the police. Security personnel were deployed to control the situation as tensions escalated between party workers and police during the polling process. The police were forced to use mild lathicharge to dispel some of the crowd, but denied that the situation was out of hand.
EVM glitches also disrupted voting at a few places in West Bengal on Thursday, news agency PTI reported, citing officials.
The first act of violence was reported in West Bengal as the first phase of voting was underway in the state. Several people were injured as unidentified people hurled crude bomb in Nowda, Murshidabad district, news agency PTI reported, adding that more details are awaited related to the incident.
Earlier, Suvendu Adhikari, BJP's candidate from Nandigram and Bhabanipur, cast his vote in Nandigram and said that there is no chance of Mamata Banerjee winning the elections if dead and fake voter have been eliminated from the rolls. He also hoped for peaceful elections in the state. “….We are Hindus, we are Sanatanis. I offered prayers, offered a 'naman'.... I spoke to polling agents of my constituency...Polling should be held peacefully,” Adhikari told reporters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged large turnout for women and youth as voting underway in West Bengal today in 152 of its constituencies across 16 districts of the state in the first phase. The polling time for the first phase of Bengal polls is from 7 am today till 6 pm.
As chief minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress is seeking reelection, the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is trying to unseat its rival from power.
The political temperature in Bengal simmered up during the last 48 hours of campaigning as both the Trinamool and the BJP took out rallies and launched attacks at each other. At an election rally at Dum Dum in the eastern fringes of Kolkata, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on Mamata Banerjee, accusing her party of using "infiltrators as a vote bank". Meanwhile, senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee accused Shah of disrespecting women when addressed Mamata Banerjee as 'Ae didi'.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has been in focus all throughout the campaigning in West Bengal. The process reportedly led to the deletion of over 60 lakh to 90 lakh names, reducing the voter base from around 7.66 crore to 7.04 crore.
Just as Bengal heads to the first phase of elections today, some key FAQs answered:
-Which are some key seats to watch out for? Some of the key seats are Bhabanipur, where Mamata Banerjee is facing BJP's Suvendu Adhikari, Kharagpur Sadar, where BJP's Dilip Ghosh will fight TMC's Pradip Sarkar, Murshidabad, where BJP's Gouri Sankar Ghosh and TMC's Shaoni Singha Roy are once again facing off, and Baharampur, where Congress's Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is attempting a comeback.
-How many voters in Bengal? Over 3.22 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes today in West Bengal.
-How many seats did BJP secure last time? In the 2021 Assembly elections, the BJP secured 77 seats and is making a renewed push to oust the Trinamool from power. However, the TMC has asserted that the BJP would finish even lower this time, winning not more than 50 seats.
-When will the phase 2 polls take place? While 152 constituencies head to polls today, the rest of the 142 seats will vote on April 29, with results scheduled for May 4.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 10:43:47 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 live updates end here.
- 23 Apr 2026, 09:41:56 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury cites two reasons for high voter turnout in Bengal
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: On West Bengal records historic 91.91% voter turnout in phase 1 assembly elections, Congress candidate from Berhampore assembly constituency Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says, "In my area, I saw long queues at every polling booth since morning, especially of women...The high voter turnout could be due to two main reasons: anti-incumbency and the fear among the common people that not participating in the elections could lead to the loss of their civil rights. These concerns combined to motivate a large section of people to vote in the elections."
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- 23 Apr 2026, 08:53:09 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: TMC candidate alleges conspiracy between ECI and BJP
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: TMC candidate from Siliguri Assembly Constituency, Gautam Deb alleged that the Election Commission and the BJP are “conspiring” together.
"A good number of voters have been sent to other districts. They are mostly central government employees, and they are deprived of their voting rights... I made a complaint to the election authority, and the BJP tried to disturb the election with the support of the central paramilitary force... I am very much overwhelmed with the active and spontaneous support of Siliguri people..." he said.
- 23 Apr 2026, 08:26:26 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Suvendhu Adhikari hails EC, security forces for smooth conduct of polls
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate from Nandigram and Bhawanipur assembly constituencies, Suvendu Adhikari said, "...The Election Commission and paramilitary forces were active, the public came out and voted in large numbers..."
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- 23 Apr 2026, 07:57:23 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: CEC hails ‘highest-ever’ polling percentage in West Bengal
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: CEC Gyanesh Kumar says: “Highest-ever percentage of polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu since Independence. The ECI salutes each voter of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.”
- 23 Apr 2026, 07:38:09 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Bengal's phase 1 voting concludes with 91.58% turnout
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: West Bengal's phase 1 voting concluded on Thursday with91.58% turnout. The highest voter turnout was registered in Bhagawangola assembly constituency at 91.58%.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 07:16:54 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: EVMs are being sealed by polling officials
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: EVMs are being sealed by polling officials as the voting for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly election 2026 concludes.
See visuals from a polling booth in Malda.
- 23 Apr 2026, 06:59:26 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Watch- Arijit Singh, his wife leave after casting vote
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Singer Arijit Singh and his wife Koel Roy leave after casting their votes at Jiyaganj Pritam Singh Primary School polling station in Murshidabad.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 06:34:08 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Polling ends in 152 assembly constituencies in Bengal, say officials
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Polling ends in 152 assembly constituencies in West Bengal, those waiting in queues will be allowed to vote, said officials.
- 23 Apr 2026, 06:17:45 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: BJP candidate's polling agent alleges he was attacked by TMC workers
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Laxman Pandey, polling agent of Ratan Das, BJP candidate from the Chanchal Assembly, alleged that he was attacked by TMC workers in Malda.
He said, "Under the Chanchal Assembly constituency, I was heading towards a polling booth when I was attacked by TMC workers and they were not letting 150-200 voters cast their votes...My car was also vandalised..."
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- 23 Apr 2026, 06:02:45 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Raghunathganj registers highest voter turnout at 95.64%
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: West Bengal's Raghunathganj assembly constituency registers highest voter turnout at 95.64% till 5 pm.
- 23 Apr 2026, 05:54:49 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Clashes erupt in Purulia's Budhpur village
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Clashes erupt between villagers and central forces over an alleged EVM malfunction in Budhpur village in Purulia.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 05:38:37 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: West Bengal registers 89.93% voter turnout till 5 pm
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: West Bengal registers 89.93% voter turnout till 5 pm
- 23 Apr 2026, 05:33:20 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Mamata Banerjee says she is not interested in any post
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that she is not interested in any post but only wants end of BJP government at Centre.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 05:14:20 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: TMC candidate alleges polling agents attacked by BJP “goons”
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: TMC candidate from Nandigram assembly constituency Pabitra Kar alleged that some polling agents had stepped out and were "attacked by BJP goons.
“A complaint will definitely be filed. We will certainly lodge a complaint,” he said.
- 23 Apr 2026, 04:54:42 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: AUJP founder Humayun Kabir visits the Babri Masjid construction site
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder, and candidate from the Rejinagar Assembly constituency, Humayun Kabir, visited the Babri Masjid construction site on Thursday.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 04:12:02 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: West Bengal registers almost 79% voting till 3pm
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: West Bengal registered voting turnout of 78.77% till 3 pm, according to election commission of India.
- 23 Apr 2026, 04:10:34 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: PM Modi's Bangla pitch
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a bid to sway voters in Bengal, said, “PM CM eksathe, unnoyon hobe dine raate'. (If the PM and CM are together, development will take place day and night).”
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- 23 Apr 2026, 03:44:12 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Arijit Singh's father casts vote in Murshidabad, says ‘voting going smoothly’
As the first phase of polling for the West Bengal Assembly elections began on Thursday morning, singer Arijit Singh's father, Surinder Singh, arrived at a polling booth in Murshidabad to cast his vote.
After casting his vote, Surinder spoke to ANI and shared that the process was smooth and peaceful at the booth. He also wished that everything continues in the same manner during the elections.
"Everything is good. May everything go well. There is no problem at all. Voting is going on smoothly. I have cast my vote," he said.
- 23 Apr 2026, 03:33:05 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: PM Modi's fish export promise
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a poll rally in West Bengal that the BJP will promote fish export, and will gave special attention to fisherfolks of Mathurapur once it wins the state polls.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 03:27:40 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Mahua Moitra dares BJP leaders - ‘Nitin Nabin won’t be able to save you'
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: TMC MP Mahua Moitra questioned “What exactly are Swadesh Singh, Professor Satyavati College and Saurabh Singh doing in Bengal? Calling up people for vasooli & distributing cash in the name of BJP Rastriya Adhyaksh @NitinNabin. We’re watching - you will not escape.”
Hours later, she shared an alleged photo of both of them and wrote, “Beware @saurabhsinghcg after my tweet you are checking out of Elgin Hotel & going to Novotel with your team to continue distribution. This is Bengal - @NitinNabin won’t be able to save you here."
- 23 Apr 2026, 03:21:24 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: BJP candidate from South Dinajpur manhandled by TMC workers
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: BJP candidate from South Dinajpur Suvendu Sarkar manhandled allegedly by TMC workers even as a security person tries to protect him, shows video.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 03:18:49 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: TMC leader expresses confidence that voters are not choosing BJP
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: TMC leader Shantanu Sen said that people in Bengal are voting against BJP.
"From the way people in West Bengal are voting in the first phase, it is clear that the people of West Bengal have made up their mind to vote against the anti-India, anti-Bengal BJP... People are voting against the BJP which attacks Bengalis living outside Bengal for speaking Bengali and eating fish, they are voting to make Mamata Banerjee Chief Minister for the fourth time..." Sen said.
- 23 Apr 2026, 03:11:54 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Verbal altercation between BJP candidate and TMC worker in Siuri
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: BJP candidate from Siuri and a TMC had a verbal spat, with the former alleging that she is "terrorising" voters and that she cannot be present within a 100-metre radius of the polling booth
In response, the worker said that she was just helping a differently-abled voter with the voting procedure.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 02:56:56 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Siliguri's BJP candidate says people are in mood to kick out TMC out of power
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: After the attack on Kumarganj BJP candidate Subhendu Sarkar, BJP candidate from Siliguri assembly constituency, Sankar Ghosh, said, "From the morning, what we have seen is that gradually time is running out and Trinamool also understand that they are going to be out of power. So they are trying to make some kind of nuisance here and there. I think the Election Commission is playing its role. There are several incidents, such as when Subhendu Sarkar was attacked. Humayun Kabir's convoy was also attacked... People are in a mood to make sure that TMC will not be back in power. They are voting for the new government, and we are sure that the BJP is going to form the government..."
- 23 Apr 2026, 02:49:16 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Shatrughan Sinha casts vote in Asansol
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Trinamool MP and actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha said that he has come to fulfil his duty when he arrived to cast his vote in Bengal's Asansol.
"...Some call me 'Bengali Babu', some call me 'Bihari Babu', but in reality, I am a 'Hindustani Babu'... As a citizen, I have come here to fulfil my duty. I am now a voter of Asansol, and I have come here to vote... It felt very good to come here..." he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 02:33:43 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Home minister Amit Shah visits BJP party office in Kolkata.
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Home minister Amit Shah visited BJP's party office in Kolkata amid first phase of voting.
- 23 Apr 2026, 02:30:02 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Suvendu Sarkar says he was assaulted on way to polling booth
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: In Dakshin Dinajpur's Kumarganj, BJP candidate Suvendu Sarkar was manhandled while on his way to a polling booth after reports of disturbances. Sarkar alleged that he was beaten up in the presence of the police and that his vehicle was vandalised. The TMC, however, alleged that Sarkar had tried to create unrest near a booth, leading to protests by locals. (PTI)
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- 23 Apr 2026, 02:13:42 PM IST
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: BJP's South Dinajpur candidated allegedly manhandled by TMC workers
West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: In a video shared by PTI, it can be seen that BJP candidate from South Dinajpur is being manhandled allegedly by TMC workers even as a security person tries to protect him.
- 23 Apr 2026, 02:09:25 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: The Humayun Kabir incident explained
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: AJUP founder Humayun Kabir visited a polling booth today which triggered protests by TMC supporters who raised slogans and surrounded his vehicle, branding him a "BJP agent".
As the situation escalated, rival groups allegedly hurled stones and bricks, leading to a law and order situation. Several vehicles were vandalised in the clashes.
Kabir accused the ruling party of voter intimidation and electoral malpractice, alleging that TMC workers, "along with police", had been influencing voters through threats and inducements since the previous night.
"The election should be conducted peacefully, but outside the booths, people are being intimidated. The Election Commission should take strict action," he said. (PTI)
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- 23 Apr 2026, 02:01:03 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: TMC candidate from Sujapur accuses Centre of disrupting polls in Bengal
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: TMC candidate from Sujapur constituency, Sabina Yasmin, alleges the Central Forces of disrupting polling. She said, "The Central Forces are creating problems in a lot of polling booths. Their work is to maintain law and order, but they are checking ID cards. Due to this, voting is going slowly. They think that if people remain standing under the Sun for long, they will return without voting. They intend that there should be less voting. We are filing a complaint." (ANI)
- 23 Apr 2026, 01:57:25 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Ink smeared on lotus symbol in EVM machine, CRPF says now cleared
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: BJP's Saumitra Khan raised a concern, saying that ink was smeared over the lotus symbol at a booth in Raghunathpur. CRPF admitted that it was the case and replied later that the ink was cleared and the polling resumed.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 01:43:16 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Polling percentage is 62.18% by 1 pm
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: West Bengal recorded a voter turn out of 62.18% till 1 pm on Thursday as first phase of polling will be on till 6 pm today.
- 23 Apr 2026, 01:36:01 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: First phase of polling has remained calm, says CPI(M)
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: The CPI(M)'s West Bengal Secretary Mohammad Salim said the first phase polling in the state on Thursday largely has been peaceful as he blamed the Election Commission for the sporadic incidents of scuffle reported from some states.
Asked about the allegation that the BJP's Kumarganj candidate in Dakshin Dinajpur district was manhandled by Trinamool supporters, he said the poll panel and police observers should have been more alert.
"Polling so far has been overall peaceful, barring some violence in Birbhum and some parts of Murshidabad. All said and done, ECI's incapability is evident," Salim told PTI.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 01:29:27 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury flags concerns over malfunctioned EVMs in many booths
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Congress candidate from Berhampore Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury flagged malfunctioned EVMs in many booths. ANI shared a video in which he can be seen speaking with a election commission official on phone, telling him that voters are going back after waiting for long hours under the sun.
"The EVM at booth 141 has been malfunctioning. As a result of this, the common voters who are standing under the Sun have to go back home. It depends on you how this situation can be tackled. It has been alleged by the Presiding Officer that they have been left in a helpless situation. Right now, your intervention is imperative. The EVM here has been changed for the fourth time, and even the changed EVM is also non-functional."
- 23 Apr 2026, 01:24:52 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: ‘There is a BJP wave everywhere’, says Dilip Ghosh
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: BJP candidate from Kharagpur Sadar Assembly constituency, Dilip Ghosh, says, "...The thing is that in the two-and-a-half-hour voting that took place, Pradeep Sarkar got a whiff that they have already lost... These people (TMC) have fought with SIR, the Election Commission, central forces, the Supreme Court, and now they are fighting over party flags and banners... These people have lost the entire battle. There is a BJP wave everywhere." (ANI)
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- 23 Apr 2026, 01:23:00 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Modi says TMC might not able to open their account in many cities
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says there is so much anger in people in Bengal against TMC that they might not even open account in many cities. “...Anger is so much against TMC MLAs, ministers, local leaders and their syndicate that TMC won't be able to open its account in many cities,” said Modi.
He added: "15 years ago, the people sounded the battle cry against the Left. Today, in opposition to the TMC's 'Jungle Raj', the people of Bengal are blowing the 'Shankh' (conch) in every street and neighbourhood... We are not the ones fighting this election; this time, the election in Bengal is being fought by the people themselves..." - 23 Apr 2026, 01:17:31 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: I ate jhalmuri, but TMC felt 'jhal', says PM Modi
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Speaking at a rally in West Bengal's Nadia, PM Modi said that he ate "jhalmuri" during the election campaign, but the Trinamool Congress felt the "jhal".
"We have observed in the past that wherever the country has witnessed a massive voter turnout, the BJP has achieved a resounding victory... On May 4th, the victory celebrations for the BJP will take place in Bengal as well. Sweets will be distributed, and 'Jhal Muri' will be handed out too," he said.
"Incidentally, I have heard that 'Jhal Muri' has already delivered a stunning shock to certain people... 'Jhal Muri maine khaayi lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai'," he added.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 01:15:27 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Voters at Murshidabad polling booth complain of EVM malfunction
West Bengal election 2026: Voters at polling booth number 141 in Khowar school, Gorabazaar, in Murshidabad, complained of EVM malfunction amid voting for the first phase of West Bengal assembly elections.
- 23 Apr 2026, 01:12:42 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: BJP Kumarganj candidate claims his car was vandalised by TMC workers
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: BJP candidate from Kumarganj, Subhendu Sarkar, claimed that he was injured and his car was vandalised by TMC workers, who attacked him in his own assembly constituency during the polling on Thursday.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 01:11:27 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Polling agents forcibly removed at 8-10 stations, says BJP Kumarganj candidate
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Subhendu Sarkar, BJP candidate from Kumarganj, claimed that the party's polling agents were "forcibly removed" from 8-10 polling stations.
"I personally intervened and ensured they were allowed back inside. When I visited Booth No. 24 to inspect the situation on the ground, they launched an attack on my entire team and me; they were clearly intent on creating an atmosphere of intimidation and fear," he told news agency ANI.
"Central Forces were present at the polling station itself—they were inside the premises. But when I arrived on the scene, I was accompanied only by my bodyguard; there was no one else with us... Mamata Banerjee has lost the election, and Trinamool Congress are losing all four seats in this region. Out of sheer desperation and fear, they launched an attack on us," Sarkar added.
- 23 Apr 2026, 12:58:42 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Modi thanks Election Commission for holding first election in Bengal in last 50 years with ‘minimum’ violence
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: “This is the first election of its kind in the last 50 years in which violence has been kept to an absolute minimum. Previously, it was common practice to hang someone every week and simply claim it was a suicide. In many respects, a regime of lawlessness and hooliganism prevailed. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Election Commission; they have once again restored the dignity of democracy on the soil of Bengal... I also commend the government employees here... Based on the information I have received so far, voter turnout is shattering all previous records,” says PM Modi in Nadia of West Bengal.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 12:54:13 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: AUJP leader Humayun Kabir says TMC will be rejected by Nowda this time
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: After reports of blast, violence emerged from Nowda and Murshidabad and workers of TMC and AUJP clashed with each other, Humayun Kabir says that TMC is a party of thieves…and people of Nowda are going to reject them when the results are out.
- 23 Apr 2026, 12:48:13 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Mamata Banerjee stays quiet
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has remained quiet strangely so far, with no media byte or post on X coming from her even as polling continues in the state amid reports of violence in Murshidabad.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 12:44:52 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: What led to the clashes between TMC and AUP workers?
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Humayun Kabir was greeted with protests by TMC supporters, who raised "go back" slogans and surrounded his vehicle, branding him a "BJP agent".
The situation turned tense, with heated exchanges taking place between the two sides near the polling station.
The AJUP leader later staged a sit-in at the spot and accused the ruling party of intimidating voters and being involved in electoral malpractices.
Kabir also alleged that the TMC had bribed several of his party candidates to keep them out of the poll fray, a charge the ruling party did not immediately respond to. (PTI)
- 23 Apr 2026, 12:35:23 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: TMC workers allegedly block road in Cooch Behar.
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Central forces step in as TMC workers allegedly block road near polling booths in Cooch Behar
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- 23 Apr 2026, 12:30:26 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Paschim Medinipur leads in voter turnout
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: West Bengal recorded brisk polling on Thursday with over 41 per cent of the 3.60 crore electors in the first phase of the Assembly elections exercising their franchise till 11 am amid sporadic incidents of scuffle reported from some places.
District-wise data showed Paschim Medinipur leading in voter turnout with 44.69 per cent, followed by Jhargram 43.71 per cent, Bankura 43.22 per cent and Purba Medinipur 42.16 per cent.
- 23 Apr 2026, 12:20:44 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Fresh video of stone pelting between TMC and AUJP workers surfaces
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: In the video shared by news agency PTI, TMC and AUP workers are shown throwing stones at each other with security forces trying to control the situation.
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- 23 Apr 2026, 12:17:16 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Suvendu says a Hindu woman told him if Mamata comes to power, they will be finished off in Murishidabad
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: BJP candidate from Nandigram & Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari says, "When I was coming here, a married Hindu woman came to me and started crying. She told me to protect Hindus. She said that if Mamata comes to power, they will be finished off like Murshidabad. Secondly, I asked a 65-70 year old woman if she is going to vote. She said that she is going to teach didi a lesson. People, especially Sanatani and tribal women, will teach them a lesson. They will wipe out Mamata. The night before election in Bengal are dangerous. But barring sporadic incidents in Jhargram, West Midnapore, they were not able to do much. We ghearoed the Police Station and Dr Pranat Tudu, a doctor who resigned and became BJP candidate, staged a dharna and freed 10 people who were arrested..." (ANI)
- 23 Apr 2026, 12:11:32 PM IST
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: Video shows scuffle between TMC workers and Humayun Kabir
West Bengal election 2026 LIVE: As soon as Humayun Kabir visited Nowda in Murshidabad district, a scuffle broke out between TMC workers and AUJP leader. Earlier reports suggested that the scuffle was between TMC workers and the police but a new video from PTI clearly shows Kabir and workers clashing.
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