Suvendu Adhikari predicts BJP win in 125 seats in first phase alone

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday predicted that the saffron party will win 125 of the 152 seats that went to polls in the first phase of the West Bengal elections, citing high voter turnout of 91.78 per cent.

Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of polling in the first phase, the leader of the opposition and BJP candidate from Nandigram and Bhabanipur seats expressed confidence that the party is set for a decisive mandate in the 2026 assembly polls.

He credited the Election Commission with ensuring an orderly voting process.

"The BJP would secure around 125 seats in this phase alone," Adhikari said.

A total of 91.87 per cent of the 3.6 crore voters exercised their franchise in the first phase of the polls in 16 districts across north Bengal and large parts of south Bengal during the day.

Adhikari also touched upon voting patterns, suggesting that while minority votes appeared consolidated with a heavy anti-incumbency trend against the ruling party in the state, "it will be seen when results are out that a substantial majority of Hindu voters -- close to 85 per cent -- are with the BJP." He said the party's prospects remain strong in the second phase, adding that the key challenge lies in curbing "intimidation by ruling party workers".

Adhikari noted that "strict enforcement by the Election Commission helped maintain discipline in the first phase", and expressed hope that similar control would continue.

The polls were held under the shadow of large-scale name deletions under the SIR exercise, sporadic violence and assault on at least three candidates. The voter turnout is among the highest in recent electoral history of the state.

With counting scheduled for May 4, the high participation has already intensified the political narrative, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral battle.

Bengal records 91.78 pc voting so far in phase 1, highest-ever since Independence: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday said the voter turnout of 91.78 per cent so far in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly polls was the state’s highest-ever percentage since Independence.

Polling in 16 districts began at 7 am on Thursday amid tight security to decide the electoral fate of 1,478 candidates, including 167 women, in 152 of the 294 assembly seats.

"This is the highest-ever percentage in West Bengal since Independence," Kumar said.

The second phase of polling will be held on April 29. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.

EC suspends all polling staff for leaving booth unattended during voting in Bengal's Pingla

The Election Commission on Thursday suspended all polling personnel of a booth at Pingla Assembly segment in West Bengal's Paschim Medinipur district after they allegedly left the polling station unattended during voting hours, an official said.

The Commission also ordered an inquiry into the incident and directed the District Election Officer to submit a report.

The entire polling team at booth No. 9 stepped out together around noon, reportedly for lunch, leaving the booth unmanned for some time, the official said, adding that the sector officer was also said to be absent.

"Taking serious note of the lapse, all polling personnel, including the presiding officer, have been placed under suspension with immediate effect. A reserve polling party has been deployed," the senior official said.

Polling continued at the booth with the reserve team, he added.

Voting for 152 constituencies was held in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections on Thursday.

Polling ends in 152 assembly seats in Bengal; those waiting in queues allowed to vote: Officials

Voting across 152 constituencies in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections ended at 6 pm on Thursday and electors who reached the polling stations before the scheduled closure would be allowed to exercise their franchise, officials said.

Close to 90 per cent of the 3.60 crore electors turned up to vote till 5 pm. The voter turnout is among the highest in recent electoral history of the state.

Polling in 16 districts began at 7 am on Thursday amid tight security to decide the electoral fate of 1,478 candidates, including 167 women, in 152 constituencies of the 294-strong state assembly.

Long queues outside polling booths reflected strong voter participation in what is being seen as a crucial round in a high-stakes contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP.

The state recorded 89.93 per cent voter turnout till 5 pm, with the Dakshin Dinajpur district leading with 93.12 per cent polling.

Clashes, allegations of intimidation and attacks on candidates, including on two of the BJP, were reported from several constituencies, prompting the Election Commission to seek detailed reports even as it maintained that polling was "largely peaceful". 

Bengal polls: TMC says high turnout signals support for Mamata

The TMC on Thursday countered Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that the high voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly polls indicates an "overwhelming mandate for change", claiming that it instead reflects strong backing for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government's development agenda.

Responding to Modi's remarks, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said the surge in polling percentage has "decisively gone in favour of the ruling party" and signals a clear rejection of the BJP.

"The BJP is trying to misread the massive turnout. This is not a vote for change, but a resounding endorsement of Banerjee's governance. The people of Bengal have broken the BJP's backbone in the very first phase," Ghosh said at a press conference, citing the poll percentage of around 90 per cent till 5 pm.

The state recorded 89.93 per cent voter turnout till 5 pm, with the Dakshin Dinajpur district leading with 93.12 per cent polling. With voting slated to continue till 6 pm, political observers said the turnout might cross 95 per cent.

Projecting a strong performance, he claimed the TMC is set to win "a minimum of 125 seats, which may go up to 132-134" out of the 152 constituencies that went to polls in the first phase.

Ghosh argued that higher turnout would translate into more seats for the TMC, rejecting the opposition's narrative of anti-incumbency.

"The more the voting percentage rises, the more seats TMC will gain. The BJP's morale has collapsed, and that is why they are spinning this false narrative of change," he alleged.

He said the increase in turnout was expected due to corrections in electoral rolls, including the removal of deceased and shifted voters, and accused the BJP of attempting to "distort a natural trend for political survival".

Turning to Nandigram, Ghosh claimed that the TMC is poised for a decisive victory in the high-profile constituency, targeting the leader of the opposition, Suvendu Adhikari.

"Reports from Nandigram-1 indicate a huge lead for our candidate, while in Nandigram-2, the BJP has virtually given up. Their candidate is under immense pressure, which is now visible," he said.

Echoing the party's position, state education minister Bratya Basu said high turnout does not necessarily indicate a regime change, citing past electoral trends.

"In Bihar, we saw a similar pattern where turnout increased significantly, but the government remained unchanged. Bengal is reflecting the same trend," Basu said.

He also pointed to the large participation of women voters as a decisive factor.

"The unprecedented turnout of women shows their trust in Banerjee and the impact of the state's welfare schemes. This support cuts across sections," he added.

The TMC leaders said polling was largely peaceful despite "provocations" by opposition parties and thanked voters for their participation. 

Modi congratulates people of Bengal for their massive turnout in first phase of assembly elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated the people of West Bengal for their massive turnout in the ongoing first phase of assembly elections, and called the vote figures so far indicative of an “overwhelming mandate for change”.

Addressing a poll rally in Krishnanagar in Nadia district, Modi also congratulated the Election Commission for keeping “violence during the assembly polls in the state at a minimum”.

"This is the first time in the last 50 years of poll history in Bengal that incidents of violence were kept at a minimum. The information I have received so far about the record-breaking turnout makes me certain that this is going to be an overwhelming mandate in favour of a change which Bengal’s voters have already decided to bring about,” the PM said.

Referring to the voter turnout figures elsewhere in the country, the PM claimed the BJP achieved decisive victories whenever people turned up to vote in massive numbers.

Bengal has recorded an average voter turnout of nearly 90 per cent till 5 pm.

Reports of sporadic violence were received from some pockets of the state during the first half of polls taking place across 152 assembly seats amid unprecedented security arrangements, where over 2400 companies of central paramilitary troops have been deployed.

Modi said that the BJP’s Bengal unit would hold victory celebrations on May 4 after the counting of votes gets over where the party would distribute among people not just sweets, but also ‘jhalmuri’, the popular street snack which the PM savoured at an unscheduled stop during his visit to Jhargram last week.

Referring to that incident, Modi took a dig at TMC leaders after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed the PM’s extended stay as “drama” and claimed that “the entire episode was scripted”.

“I have heard that even jhalmuri has given certain individuals a thunderous jolt,” the PM said, “I had 'jhalmuri', but it seems that the TMC leaders are feeling heat of the chillies.” Referring to “people’s disgust with TMC’s syndicate, criminal and Mafia nexus”, Modi claimed that the party will not win even a single seat in certain districts of the state.

Speaking in an area which has a significant concentration of the Hindu Namasudra Matua community members and where SIR deletions have led to perceptible angst, the Prime Minister said that post elections, the process of awarding citizenship to persecuted refugees from Bangladesh would be expedited.

“The TMC mantra is Ghuspetiyo ke saath, ghuspetiyo ka vikaas (stay with infiltrators to promote their development. We must stop this conspiracy of granting citizenship to outsiders with false documents which endangers our land. A new guarantee of security will begin in Bengal after May 4,” the PM said.

Invoking Matua religious leaders Hari Chand and Guru Chand Thakur, Modi said no Matua family needs to fear persecution from the TMC.

“Modi stands with all those who have sought refuge in India following religious persecution. The process of granting citizenship through CAA will be expedited further after the BJP assumes power in Bengal,” the PM assured.

Focusing on the issue of women’s safety in the state, Modi referred to the 2022 gangrape and murder of a teenager in Hanskhali in Nadia, calling it an example of TMC’s model of fear which it has spread across the state.

“The cases of women trafficking in the state are steadily on the rise,” he claimed.

Asserting that the TMC can never bring about true empowerment of women in Bengal, the PM attacked the party for “collaborating with the Congress to stop the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament” last week.

“The BJP wants to reserve 33 per cent seats in the Parliament and at the state assemblies from the next Lok Sabha polls, but the TMC doesn’t want more seats to be reserved for the women of this state. Women of Bengal will surely punish the TMC for this sin,” he said.

As an extension to his earlier promises of 'six poll guarantees' for the state, the PM pledged a fresh set of 10 'Modi-ki-guarantees' aimed at the uplift and welfare of women and children of Bengal.

“We will ensure strictest punishment for those perpetrating torture and violence on the women of Bengal, will set up special police stations for women in every block of the state and build special security kiosks on the streets. The state’s women would be inducted in police force in greater numbers,” Modi said.

The PM promised an annual grant of Rs 36,000 to the bank accounts of all women through the Bengal BJP’s newly launched Matri Shakti Bharosa card and pledged Rs 50,000 assistance to female students of the state for their graduation studies.

He also said that financial assistance of up to Rs 21,000 will be provided to all pregnant women of the state, while the BJP government of Bengal will provide an additional Rs 36,000 for nutrition requirements of infants and children.

The future of girls will be secured through the Sukanya Sanriddhi policy of the Centre and loans of up to Rs 20 lakhs would be granted for self-employment projects run by women, alongside monetary assistance to women to get enrolled in the Centre’s Lakhpati Didi scheme, the PM said.

Property registration would be done under the names of women of economically weak families under the PM Avaas scheme, and women will receive the rights to own their property, Modi declared.

“Modi-ki-guarantee automatically means the fulfilment of those guarantees,” he added. 

Trinamool already in a position to win given the polling held so far today: Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asserted that polling held so far in the first phase of the assembly polls indicates the TMC is already in a position to win.

Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, said at a rally in Bow Bazar area of Kolkata that she will conquer Delhi taking along all opposition parties, after winning the election.

A voter turnout of 89.93 per cent was recorded till 5 pm, as polling was underway in 152 of the 294 assembly seats in phase 1. The next round will take place on April 29, while counting will be held on May 4.

"From my understanding of people's mind, we are already in a position to win given the polling held so far today," Banerjee said.

"I am not interested in any post, I don't want the chair. I only want the end of BJP government in Delhi," she added

Over 89% voter turnout till 5pm

Bengal logs over 89 per cent voter turnout till 5pm.

Alipurduar: 88.74 per cent

Bankura: 89.91 per cent

Birbhum:91.55 per cent

Cooch Behar:92.07 per cent

SouthDinajpur: 93.12 per cent

Darjeeling:86.49 per cent

Jalpaiguri:91.20 per cent

Jhargram: 90.53 per cent

Kalimpong: 81.98 per cent

Malda: 89.56 per cent

Murshidabad: 91.36 per cent

West Burdwan: 86.89 per cent

West Midnapore: 90.70 per cent

East Midnapore: 88.55 per cent

Purulia: 87.35 per cent

North Dinajpur: 89.74 per cent

Singer Arijit Singh casts his vote at Jiyaganj polling station

 Singer Arijit Singh arrives to cast his vote at Jiyaganj polling station.

Keshpur: Another voter dies after returning home from voting

A 66-year-old voter, Sheikh Bablu, in Keshpur, died after returning home from voting. He fell ill post-meal and was declared dead at hospital.

Special electoral roll observer Subrata Gupta says action being taken on all poll complaints

 Special Electoral Roll Observer Subrata Gupta told ANI, "...We are taking action on every complaint. We are taking action on all the complaints that have come in... Regarding statutory violations, complaints related to EVMs, we have instructed the presiding officers and returning officers to take action. In the case of law and order issues, we have immediately contacted the CAPF's QRT. I have requested an investigation report, and based on that, we will take action."

WB polls: Voting in Jhargram

Clash in Dubrajpur booth; CRPF faces stone pelting

Clashes broke out between locals and security personnel in Kharisaol area in West Bengal's Birbhum district on Thursday after allegations of EVM malfunctioning triggered tension during the final hours of polling in the first phase of the state assembly elections, officials said.

The trouble began at a polling booth under the Dubrajpur Assembly constituency, where electors alleged that votes cast in favour of the TMC were being registered for the BJP, they said.

According to the locals, voting was halted for nearly 30 minutes following complaints of glitches in the electronic voting machines, and protests erupted outside the booth.

The situation escalated after an argument broke out between polling officials and agitated voters, with a section of locals gathering outside the booth and staging a demonstration.

Security personnel, including central forces, intervened to disperse the crowd, following which clashes erupted.

Police and CRPF personnel were pelted with stones, prompting them to resort to mild force to bring the situation under control.

Several personnel of the central forces were injured in the incident, the officials said.

A police vehicle was also damaged during the violence, they added.

Polling was later resumed under heavy security, the officials said, adding that the situation is now under control.

Locket Chatterjee condemns Murshidabad poll violence

BJP leader Locket Chatterjee said, "Poll violence in Murshidabad is very saddening. The Election Commission will probe the incident."   

Shah visits BJP's election 'war room' in Kolkata

Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday visited the BJP's 'war room' at the party's Salt Lake office here, shortly after polling began for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, party sources said.

Shah, who is closely overseeing the party's campaign in the state, reached the 'war room' in the morning and held a closed-door meeting with senior BJP leaders to assess the ground situation, they said.

The visit assumes significance as it was not part of his official itinerary and came within hours of voting commencing across several constituencies in north Bengal and parts of south Bengal.

According to sources, the Union minister took stock of the polling process, particularly in the north Bengal districts where the BJP seeks to retain its stronghold.

He also reviewed feedback from party functionaries and booth-level workers regarding voter turnout and any reports of disturbances.

Several senior leaders from outside West Bengal, who have been camping in the state for the past few days to oversee the party's election machinery, were present during the meeting.

The BJP has set up a centralised 'war room' at its Salt Lake office to monitor polling across constituencies in real time, coordinate responses, and streamline communication between ground workers and the party leadership.

Shah predicts BJP majority in Bengal at Balagarh rally

As the first phase of polling nears completion, Union home minister Amit Shah, addressing a rally in Balagarh, said he is confident that the BJP will form the government in West Bengal with a full majority.

Bengal records over 79% voter turnout till 3pm

Bengal logs over 79 per cent voter turnout by 3pm.

Alipurduar: 77.53 per cent

Bankura: 79.88 per cent

Birbhum: 80.22 per cent

Cooch Behar: 79.26 per cent

South Dinajpur: 81.49 per cent

Darjeeling: 76.54 per cent

Jalpaiguri: 78.92 per cent

Jhargram: 81.04 per cent

Kalimpong: 74.07 per cent

Malda: 76.22 per cent

Murhidabad: 79.72 per cent

West Burdwan: 75.44 per cent

West Midnapore: 81.07 per cent

East Midnapore: 78.94 per cent

Purulia: 75.97 per cent

North Dinajpur: 77.32 per cent

TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha casts vote

TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha says, “Fulfilling my duty, I voted for the first time in Asansol.”

Nandalal Bose’s grandson denied vote despite legal rulings

Despite Supreme Court intervention and a tribunal order, renowned artist Nandalal Bose’s grandson and his wife were ultimately unable to cast their vote. The couple was reportedly turned away from a polling booth in Bolpur and had to return home without voting

5 arrested in assault on BJP candidate in Kumarganj

Five people have been arrested following allegations of assault on BJP candidate Suvendu Sarkar in Kumarganj, South Dinajpur. The Election Commission has confirmed the arrests, while search operations are still underway in connection with the case.