The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is underway today, covering 152 constituencies spread across 16 districts. Key regions going to polls include Siliguri, Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, Raiganj, Balurghat, Malda, Murshidabad, Asansol, Bankura and Baharampur. The remaining constituencies will vote on April 29, while counting is scheduled for May 4.
The contest is largely seen as a direct fight between the ruling Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee and the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is attempting to strengthen its position in the state.
Nandigram battle: Suvendu vs former aide
All eyes are on Nandigram, where Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari is contesting against TMC’s Pabitra Kar. Adhikari, once a close associate of Banerjee, had defeated her from this seat in 2021. Kar, who was earlier aligned with the BJP, is now challenging his former mentor.
Baharampur: Congress faces BJP challenge
In Baharampur, senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is contesting against BJP’s Subrata Maitra. Chowdhury, a five-time MP from the constituency, is entering the Assembly fray after losing the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Maitra is the sitting MLA and is seeking re-election.
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Asansol Dakshin: BJP vs TMC face-off
BJP’s Agnimitra Paul, who won the seat in 2021, is up against TMC’s Tapas Banerjee. Banerjee previously represented the constituency for a decade and remains a strong contender.
Kharagpur Sadar: Ghosh returns to contest
Senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh is contesting from Kharagpur Sadar, where he had won in 2016. He faces TMC’s Pradip Sarkar, who is attempting to reclaim the seat after past electoral shifts.
Mathabhanga: Multi-cornered contest
Union Minister Nisith Pramanik is contesting from Mathabhanga on a BJP ticket. TMC has fielded Sablu Barman, while the Left and Congress have also entered the fray, making it a closely watched multi-cornered contest.
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Domkal: Former minister in new political avatar
In Domkal, former TMC leader Humayun Kabir is contesting under his own party banner after being expelled in 2025. He faces CPI(M)’s Mostafijur Rahaman. The seat was won by TMC in the last election.
Panihati: Emotional and political contest
Panihati has drawn attention with BJP candidate Ratna Debnath entering the fray against TMC’s long-time MLA Nirmal Ghosh. The constituency adds a significant emotional dimension to the electoral narrative this phase.
