BackPOLITICS
West Bengal: 152 assembly seats to go to polls in first phase on April 23
152 assembly seats across 16 districts will go to polls in the first phase on April 23, 2026. About 3.6 crore electors will determine the fate of 1,478 candidates. The Election Commission has deployed a record 2,407 CAPF companies, and polling materials were distributed as polling personnel prepared to reach venues while parties traded charges.
Why It Matters
This marks the opening phase of West Bengal's Assembly elections with a large electorate and heightened security presence, shaping the electoral landscape.
Timeline
4 Events
Political parties trade charges ahead of polling
April 22, 2026
As polling day approached, political parties continued to exchange charges and counter-charges regarding the election.
Polling materials distributed and polling personnel reach venues
April 22, 2026
Polling personnel across 16 districts collected polling materials, including EVMs, and reached polling venues ahead of the first phase polls on April 23, 2026.
ECI deploys security for first phase: about 2,407 CAPF companies
April 22, 2026
The Election Commission of India has deployed about 2,407 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces for the first phase of polling.
First phase details: 152 seats in 16 districts, 3.6 crore electors, 1,478 candidates
April 22, 2026
The Election Commission of India announced that 152 assembly seats spread across 16 districts will go to polls in the first phase on April 23, 2026. Approximately 3.6 crore electors will determine the fate of 1,478 candidates across these seats, with eight districts in north Bengal and eight in south Bengal.