West Bengal Elections LIVE: Murshidabad erupts in clashes as Humayun Kabir meets “go back” chants in Naoda

The first leg of assembly polls in the state of West Bengal commenced amidst high-level voter turnout and ominous signs of regional instability on Thursday, April 23, 2026. With 7 a.m. polling beginning in 152 assembly seats covering 16 districts, the state witnessed a promising beginning with the voter turnout registering at 18.76% by 9 a.m. This vigorous participation takes place against the backdrop of a major alteration in the state’s demographic picture wherein the recent Special Intensive Revision carried out by the Election Commission of India saw the voter list decrease by nearly 12%.

As far as security is concerned, unprecedented steps have been taken by the ECI with a deployment of a record 2,450 companies of Central Paramilitary Forces. This huge number amounts to around 2.5 lakh security personnel who were meant to protect 3.60 crore electors from any trouble while casting their votes. Yet this record-high measure of security could not stop tensions emerging in certain regions, especially in Murshidabad.

The district emerged as a battleground for political strife after a skirmish erupted between workers of Trinamool Congress (TMC). The scuffle started because Humayun Kabir, the leader of AUJP, had entered the premises, which instigated TMC members to raise provocative slogans and confront the local police. The situation highlighted the delicate balance of peace established in various election pockets within the state.

Even more worrisome were the reports emanating from Domkal, where some voters claimed they were subject to intimidation tactics. A number of residents reported receiving death threats in an effort to deter them from going to the polling booth. As a reaction to these cases of voter suppression, the ECI has officially requested a report from the authorities on how and why voters were deprived of exercising their franchise rights.

With the first round of the election process underway, the political machine is already thinking about the next step. In the next round of the election, on April 29, 142 seats from the important region of Kolkata and its neighboring districts will be up for grabs. Following the completion of the phased voting process, attention will turn towards tallying the results, with vote counting slated to begin on May 4. Until then, the entire state remains on edge, trying to strike a balance between democracy and security.