West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: 18.76% Voter Turnout Till 9AM; Bomb Blast In Murshidabad, EVM Glitch In Malda Disrupt Polling

AJUP Chief and Rejinagar Assembly constituency candidate Humayun Kabir visited the incident spot in Nowda, where a clash reportedly broke out between his supporters and those of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Visuals from the area captured the tense confrontation as polling-related tensions escalated.  

West Bengal Election: During phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, BJP leader Boora Narsaiah Goud declared “Kamal Khilega, Bengal Badhega,” expressing optimism about the party’s prospects while criticizing the Mamata Banerjee-led government. He claimed that both Hindus and Muslims in the state seek change and a better life under BJP rule, adding that the vision of a “real Sonar Bangla” is driving voter commitment. Meanwhile, voter turnout stood at 18.76% by 9 a.m., with Paschim Mednipur, Bankura, and Jhargram recording high participation. The two-phase election covers 294 seats, with counting scheduled for May 4, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest between the incumbent Trinamool Congress and the BJP.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken note of the crude bomb incident in Nowda and discussed the situation with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) following reports of violence in Murshidabad. Meanwhile, the CRPF Inspector General (IG) held talks with the Superintendent of Police (SP) and the District Collector to address the violent scenes unfolding in the area. Adding to the developments, Humayun Kabir, AJUP Chief and candidate from the Rejinagar Assembly constituency, visited the incident spot in Nowda to assess the situation firsthand.

In Murshidabad, West Bengal, allegations have been raised against the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Reports suggest that at Booth No. 54 under the Raninnagar Assembly constituency (No. 63), voters were allegedly prevented from entering the polling station, sparking concerns about electoral fairness and transparency.

By 9 AM, voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections stood at 18.76%. Polling began early in the morning across 152 constituencies, with the second phase scheduled for April 29. The final results will be declared on May 4, deciding the fate of the 294‑seat assembly.

Polling in the Mothabari constituency of Malda district was briefly disrupted after a reported malfunction in the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at the Balua Chara High School booth, with the sector officer allegedly absconding from the spot. Malda, already a political flashpoint in the run‑up to the elections, saw tensions rise as parties traded accusations over the incident. The constituency features a multi‑cornered contest between TMC’s Islam Md Najrul, BJP’s Nibaran Ghosh, AIMIM’s Mostahid Haque, and Congress’ Sayem Chowdhury. Voting across 152 constituencies in Phase 1 continues under tight security, with results scheduled to be declared on May 4.

Tension flared in Nowda, Murshidabad district, after unidentified individuals hurled a crude bomb, leaving several people injured. The incident disrupted polling activity in the area, adding to the already charged atmosphere as voters queued up to cast their ballots. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure security as voting continues across 152 constituencies.  
 

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge urged West Bengal voters to turn out in large numbers in the first phase of Assembly Elections, stressing that “your vote is your voice.” He appealed especially to young first-time voters to uphold democracy and ensure development reaches every corner of the state, invoking Bengal’s legacy of leaders who fought for justice, equality, and freedom.

BJP’s Asansol Dakshin candidate Agnimitra Paul cast her vote in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, describing the contest as a “war to save Bengal.” She attacked CM Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, emphasized youth employment, reversing migration, and highlighted women’s support for BJP. Paul faces TMC’s Tapas Banerjee in a high-profile battle in the industrially significant Asansol region.

BJP leader Dilip Ghosh, contesting from Kharagpur Sadar, expressed confidence in the party winning over 100 seats in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, while attacking TMC for sidelining local leaders and criticising Mamata Banerjee’s governance. He also accused the Congress of weak leadership, claiming BJP benefits from its missteps.

West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: After voting in Nandigram, BJP's Suvendu Adhikari claims their polling agent was arrested, demanding immediate action. He insists Parivartan will come, warning that without it, Sanatana in Bengal will be finished despite active goons.
 

West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: State LoP & BJP Candidate from Nandigram & Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari casts his vote at a polling station in Nandigram.

West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Polling commenced at 7 am in Birbhum for West Bengal Assembly elections, with officials ensuring smooth processes through early deployment of polling personnel and security forces following Election Commission guidelines.
 

West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: PM Modi urged voters in West Bengal to actively participate in the Assembly elections, calling voting a "festival of democracy." He encouraged young people and women to fulfill their democratic duties, ensuring strong, inclusive participation from all societal sections.

West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Voting in 152 of its constituencies is underway in the first phase.

West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: The TMC intensified its criticism of the BJP, labeling them "Bohiragoto" and disrespectful to Bengal, while alleging the BJP is running "special trains" with free travel and food to sway voters.
 

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: In West Bengal, mock polling was conducted at the Siliguri Girls' High School in Siliguri to ensure that everything is functioning properly. Polling for the Assembly elections 2026 will begin at 7:00 am and will conclude at 6:00 pm today.

West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: Rahul Gandhi urged West Bengal residents to support Congress, claiming it’s the sole party capable of defeating the BJP. He emphasized Congress’s commitment to protecting rights and diversity, contrasting it with the BJP's actions, and encouraged unity for a victorious outcome.

West Bengal Election 2026 LIVE: A historic total of 2,450 companies from Central paramilitary forces, consisting of almost 2.5 lakh personnel, have been assigned by the Election Commission for the elections.