ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS: BENGAL LEADS WITH 41% VOTER TURNOUT BY 11AM

New Delhi, Apr 23, 2026 : In West Bengal, Paschim Medinipur recorded the highest turnout at 44.68 per cent, followed by Jhargram at 43.71 per cent and Bankura at 43.22 per cent. The lowest turnout was reported in Malda at 38.22 per cent.

In West Bengal, elections are being held for 294 Assembly seats. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the first phase covers 152 constituencies, while the remaining 142 will go to polls in the second phase. A total of 1,478 candidates are in the fray in this phase.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is seeking a fourth consecutive term, while the BJP, which won 77 seats in the previous election, is attempting to expand its presence and form the government in the state.

Polling for the Assembly elections began in Tamil Nadu and across 152 constituencies in West Bengal amid tight security. Voting will continue until 6:00 pm, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.