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Bengal polls: Scattered clashes, assault on candidates mar phase-I voting; ECI seeks report
Phase-I of West Bengal's Assembly elections saw sporadic violence and assaults on candidates as polling continued across 152 constituencies on April 23, 2026. The Election Commission of India sought reports from trouble-hit pockets, while early turnout surpassed 62% by 1 p.m.
Why It Matters
The incidents highlight safety concerns for candidates and the integrity of the electoral process, prompting EC oversight during the polling day.
Timeline
4 Events
Voter turnout at 1 p.m. exceeds 62%
April 23, 2026
Turnout stood at over 62.18% till 1 p.m. on Thursday, indicating strong early participation in the first phase.
ECI seeks reports from trouble-hit pockets
April 23, 2026
The Election Commission of India (ECI) sought reports from trouble-hit pockets of Bengal, prompting oversight into the incidents and their impact on the voting process.
Sporadic violence and assaults mar polling in parts of the state
April 23, 2026
Sporadic incidents of violence and assaults on candidates were reported from pockets of the state during the polling day.
Phase-I polling underway across 152 Bengal constituencies
April 23, 2026
Phase-I polling progressed across 152 constituencies in West Bengal on Thursday, April 23, 2026, as the first phase of the Assembly elections continued.