West Bengal’s Phase 1 recorded a striking 92.86% voter turnout across 16 districts, covering North Bengal, parts of South Bengal, and Jangalmahal areas. The Election Commission “saluted” voters for participating in large numbers. Amid the high turnout, Congress alleged an attack on its party agent by TMC workers in Berhampore, escalating political claims around the voting day.
A viral video has sparked outrage in West Bengal as Trinamool Congress leader Dalim Sheikh allegedly threatened locals, telling them he would cut them to pieces if they voted for any party other than TMC in the upcoming assembly elections. The clip has spread rapidly on social media, intensifying political backlash as the election campaign heats up.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is confident the BJP will win a landslide in West Bengal, pointing to Phase 1 polling as proof that the “temple of democracy” has been restored. Speaking at a Vijay Sankalp Sabha in Dumdum, he warned that the TMC’s “Maha Jungle Raj” will soon end, adding that “goons” won’t find space to hide after May 4.
West Bengal goes to the polls for Phase 1 of the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections on Thursday, April 23, with voting across 152 seats. The exercise spans 16 districts, including entire North Bengal and parts of South Bengal, along with Jangalmahal belts such as Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, and Paschim Medinipur. Campaign fever runs high for the TMC versus BJP contest.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrapped up his West Bengal campaign with sharp attacks on Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress and the Congress party. In Darjeeling, he pledged to end alleged injustice toward the Gorkha community, using his remarks as a signal of intensified political pressure ahead of the next crucial electoral phase.
Voting in Phase 1 of the West Bengal and Tamil Nadu assembly elections concluded Thursday with overwhelming turnout in both states. West Bengal recorded a historic 92.68% turnout by 10 pm, intensifying the battle between BJP and ruling TMC, which is aiming for a fourth consecutive term. Tamil Nadu also voted in this phase as DMK seeks its second term.
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On Phase 1 polling day in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi predicted a “massive” BJP win, linking strong voter turnout to success on May 4. At a Nadia rally, he mixed politics with a Bengali snack reference, saying victory celebrations would come with sweets and Jhal Muri—adding a witty dig at TMC along the way.
West Bengal’s election battleground remains dominated by Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress, while the BJP tries to convert national momentum into local victories. Despite its growth, the BJP struggles with the “outsider” perception, weaker grassroots reach, and incomplete leadership depth. TMC holds an edge through deep organisational networks, emotional voter connect, and welfare-linked support, especially among women and rural communities.
West Bengal’s 2026 assembly election battle is heating up in Nandigram, where the TMC accuses police of acting in BJP’s favour. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari alleges TMC-backed individuals are threatening voters. Both sides have filed complaints as polling continues under heavy security across multiple districts, raising concerns over the fairness of the process.
Voting is underway in West Bengal’s first phase for 152 Assembly constituencies, with more than 3.60 crore eligible voters. Security has been intensified with extensive central forces across sensitive areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Governor C. V. Ananda Bose urged citizens to vote. The phase is widely seen as pivotal for BJP and TMC as major leaders are in the fray.
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Tensions in Kolkata’s Ekbalpur spiked ahead of West Bengal Assembly elections as BJP and TMC supporters clashed outside Ekbalpur Police Station. A BJP protest led by Rakesh Singh turned violent after counter-sloganeering, prompting a police lathi charge to disperse the crowd. At least nine workers were arrested, while one person suffered severe injuries amid the unrest.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi says his jhalmuri stop in Jhargram rattled Trinamool Congress, using the moment to underline public anger over TMC’s governance, corruption, and inefficiency. He promises sweets and jhalmuri distribution across Bengal if the BJP forms the government on May 4. Modi also assured Hindu refugee families protection and faster citizenship processing.
Trinamool Congress has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “political tourism” during his Kolkata visit, alleging his riverfront activities were staged for optics and a “photo-op quota.” The attack targets his emphasis on the cultural significance of the Ganga for Bengal, with TMC questioning the intent behind the visit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a fierce campaign attack on West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress, accusing it of 15 years of “loot” and “destroying” the state’s identity. He further alleged that infiltration is forcing Bengalis to leave their homes in search of opportunities, and said early voting signals a large defeat for the TMC.
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Voting has begun for Phase 1 of the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Polling in Tamil Nadu is drawing over 5.73 crore voters, while West Bengal features a direct contest between TMC and BJP. By-elections in Gujarat and Maharashtra are also under way. Results for all elections will be declared on May 4.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that TMC supporters threatened a BJP worker at her residence in South Kolkata over campaigning. He urged immediate Election Commission action, arguing the incident is tied to strong voter turnout and claiming the ruling party fears an “imminent rout.” The allegation adds fuel to a heated election-season dispute over intimidation claims.
Voting has started in West Bengal for the first phase of the 2026 Assembly elections, covering 152 constituencies across North, West and parts of South Bengal. The contest is centered on a fierce TMC vs BJP fight, with Congress and Left candidates pulling votes in a multi corner landscape. Results are set for May 4, with key candidates drawing intense attention.
Ahead of a key election phase, Kolkata saw “Pay2TMC” posters that imitate QR-based payment app screens, complete with scannable codes. The central message—“Be it ration or a job… scan”—has sparked buzz as political satire blending digital payments with election-era promises spreads across markets, bus stands, and metro stations.
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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee urged voters to back “Maa-Mati-Manush” candidates in the second phase of assembly polls, accusing the BJP of distorting Bengal’s culture. Speaking on X, she argued the state has progressed despite constant obstruction and called on people to rise above differences, voting once again for the TMC to protect Bengal’s identity.
Violence erupted in Murshidabad during West Bengal’s election season as TMC and AUJP workers clashed, sparking stone pelting and attacks on campaign vehicles. A BJP polling agent was assaulted, while allegations of proxy voting added to tension. Fears rose after reports of crude bomb attacks, prompting deployment of central forces to keep polling secure and fair.
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