West Bengal has entered a crucial phase of its 2026 Assembly elections, with voting underway in 152 out of 294 constituencies spread across 16 districts. Around 3.6 crore voters are expected to cast their ballots in this phase, covering key regions such as Nandigram and parts of north Bengal including Darjeeling, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar. Early assessments suggest that nearly 80 of these seats could witness closely fought contests, setting the tone for the rest of the election.
A tough test for Mamata Banerjee
After remaining in power since 2011, when she ended the 35-year rule of the Left Front, Mamata Banerjee is once again facing what many describe as a challenging election. A similar narrative had emerged in 2021, but the Trinamool Congress delivered a strong performance, winning 215 seats, its highest tally so far. The BJP, which secured 77 seats in that election, has since continued to expand its base in the state.
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Campaign narratives shape voter mood
The BJP has focused its campaign on issues such as corruption, law and order concerns and what it describes as stalled development. The Trinamool Congress, on the other hand, has framed the contest as a question of identity and autonomy, highlighting cultural pride and alleging that the Centre has withheld funds meant for the state.
Voter list revision sparks concern
A major point of contention this time is the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The exercise has reportedly removed around 89 lakh names, which is about 11.6 per cent of the electorate. This figure is slightly higher than the Trinamool Congress’s winning margin in 2021, raising concerns within the ruling party. Data also indicates that the reduction has been significant in several districts where earlier victory margins were narrow.
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Key candidates in the fray
Several prominent leaders are contesting in this phase. From the Trinamool Congress, candidates include Goutam Deb in Siliguri, Udayan Guha in Dinhata, Firhad Hakim in the Kolkata Port area and Pabitra Kar in Nandigram. On the BJP side, Suvendu Adhikari is contesting from Nandigram, while also set to challenge Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur in the next phase. Other key BJP figures include Union Minister Nisith Pramanik from Mathabhanga and Dilip Ghosh from Kharagpur Sadar.
Security arrangements have been significantly strengthened, with 2,407 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, comprising over 2.4 lakh personnel, deployed across the state. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu is also voting today for its 234 Assembly seats. West Bengal’s second phase is scheduled for April 29, and the counting of votes will take place on May 4.
