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LIVE Blog
West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 Live Updates: Voting for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly election has begun across 152 seats in 16 districts. Long queues of voters have been seen at polling stations since morning. Approximately 36 million voters will decide the fate of 1,452 candidates. This phase covers key areas of North and South Bengal, considered highly significant from an electoral perspective. The Election Commission has deployed a record 2,450 companies of central paramilitary forces to ensure peaceful polling. About 250,000 personnel are monitoring sensitive and highly sensitive booths. Strict security and webcasting arrangements have been made at every polling station.
This election is taking place after a ‘Special Intensive Revision’ (SIR) of the voter list, which has led to a decrease of about 12% in the state’s voter count. This change has also affected electoral equations. The first phase is expected to see a direct contest between the ruling TMC and BJP. In the 2021 election, the BJP won 59 of these 152 seats, while the TMC won 93. This time, maintaining its hold in North Bengal is a major challenge for the TMC, while the BJP is trying to strengthen its lead there. Currently, the entire country’s attention is focused on the first phase voting.
08:39 AM
West Bengal Election LIVE: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge appeals to citizens, especially youth, to vote in large numbers
Amid the first phase voting for the West Bengal Assembly election, Mallikarjun Kharge appealed to voters to cast their ballots in large numbers. He said citizens should not be influenced by any discouraging forces and should actively participate in the democratic process. Your vote is your voice and must be heard strongly. Kharge emphasized upholding the constitutional values of democracy, social justice, equality, and freedom. He made a special appeal to first-time young voters, urging them to exercise their right with confidence and contribute to bringing true development to every corner of the state.
08:28 AM
West Bengal Election 2026: BJP will win more than 100 seats – Dilip Ghosh’s claim
Amid the first phase voting in Kharagpur, Dilip Ghosh made a big claim. BJP candidate Dilip Ghosh said the party’s main influence is in North and South Bengal and he is confident the BJP will succeed in winning more than 100 seats. He also said the path to victory in the election will be determined from these regions, and the party is receiving strong support there.
| West Bengal Elections 2026 | Kharagpur, West Bengal: BJP candidate from Kharagpur Sadar, Dilip Ghosh says, "The BJP’s major influence area is in North and South Bengal and I think the BJP will win more than 100 seats there. The path to victory will be clear from here…"
08:12 AM
Bengal Election LIVE: Suvendu Adhikari casts vote in Nandigram, contest against Mamata in Bhabanipur
Under the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari cast his vote at a polling station in Nandigram. Suvendu Adhikari is the BJP candidate from both Nandigram and the Bhabanipur seat. In the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, he is contesting against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, making this seat high-profile. This direct contest between the two veteran leaders is considered very significant in the state’s politics.
| West Bengal Elections 2026 | State LoP & BJP Candidate from Nandigram & Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari casts his vote at a polling station in Nandigram
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is contesting against him from the Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency.
08:07 AM
West Bengal Election LIVE
