State registers 41.11% voting as of 11 a.m., clashes in Murshidabad
The Hindu | 23 April 2026
A clash broke out in Murshidabad during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections as Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers raised slogans and entered into an altercation with police upon the arrival of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir in the area.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday (April 23, 2026) sought a report from officials over allegations that several people were prevented from casting their votes in Murshidabad district’s Domkal during the first phase of the West Bengal assembly polls on Thursday (April 23, 2026), officials said.
Several voters in Domkal alleged that they were threatened and intimidated, with some claiming they were warned of assault if they attempted to reach polling stations.
According to Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal the State registered 41.11% polling as of 11 a.m..
Polling started at 7 a.m. in 152 assembly constituencies across 16 districts amid unprecedented security, and till 9 am, 18.76 per cent of 3.60 crore voters exercised their franchise.
The high-stakes elections come after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) which reduced the number of electorates in the State by almost 12%. A record 2,450 companies of Central paramilitary forces that comprise nearly 2.5 lakh personnel have been deployed by the Election Commission for the polls.
The second phase will be held on April 29, when 142 seats in and around Kolkata go to polls. The votes will be counted on May 4.