Many voters in Domkal area of Murshidabad alleged that they were threatened and intimidated. Some people claimed that they could be attacked if they tried to reach the polling booth.
On 23 April 2026, a clash broke out between supporters of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Naoda (Murshidabad), following which heavy security forces were deployed at the spot. The clash escalated when TMC workers clashed with the police while raising slogans when AUJP founder Humayun Kabir reached the area.
The Election Commission (ECI) has sought a report from officials on allegations of preventing voting and intimidating voters in Domkal. Voting was later resumed in the presence of security forces. Voting started at 7 am on 152 seats in 16 districts, in which 18.76% voting had taken place till 9 am. A total of 3.60 crore voters are exercising their franchise in this phase.
This time due to Special Intensive Review (SIR) before the elections, the number of voters has decreased by about 12%. The Election Commission has deployed a record 2,450 companies of central paramilitary forces (about 2.5 lakh soldiers).
The second phase of voting will be held on April 29 for 142 seats, while the counting of votes will be done on May 4.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the huge turnout as a “sign of change”, even as sporadic violence and attacks on candidates were reported in parts of the state.
Overall, the first phase of West Bengal elections continues in an atmosphere of excitement, tension and political confrontation amid high turnout.
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