Midnapore, Jhargram record near-record participation amid tight security
The Statesman | 24 April 2026
Voting across the three politically sensitive districts of West Bengal ~ West Midnapore, East Midnapore, and Jhargram ~ concluded on Thursday with a largely peaceful tenor, punctuated by sporadic allegations of violence and administrative friction even as voter enthusiasm pushed turnout figures close to record levels under tight security arrangements.
According to data released by the Election Commission of India, West Midnapore recorded a turnout of 90.70 per cent, East Midnapore 88.55 per cent, and Jhargram 90.53 per cent till 5 p.m, reflecting a high degree of electoral participation in the first phase of polling across 152 Assembly constituencies in the state.
Across the Junglemahal belt, where security deployment was extensive due to past histories of insurgency and electoral tensions, polling was conducted under the watch of Central forces and state police personnel. Officials described the overall situation as “under control,” though isolated incidents triggered political controversy.
The poll battle in West Bengal remained sharply polarised as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally at Krishnagar in Nadia, intensified the BJP’s campaign narrative against the ruling Trinamul Congress (TMC). Without naming Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee directly in every instance, he alleged that public sentiment in the state had turned against the TMC and suggested that the party could struggle to open its account in several urban pockets this time.
The political temperature further rose as BJP leader and Nandigram MLA Suvendu Adhikari, who also voted in his constituency, asserted that the ruling party would face electoral setbacks if what he termed “bogus and dead voters” were removed from the rolls. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Adhikari said, “We are Hindus, we are Sanatanis. I offered prayers and paid respect. I also spoke to polling agents. The election must remain peaceful.”
He further expressed confidence in a smooth electoral process while indirectly questioning the integrity of voter lists, a charge that has been consistently rejected by the TMC.
On the other hand, the Trinamul Congress raised a series of allegations regarding security forces and political intimidation in certain pockets. In Ghatal, TMC candidate Shyamali Sardar alleged that she was attacked by BJP-linked “hooligans” while visiting Booth No. 14 in Sultanpur. The allegations, however, are yet to be independently verified.
Similarly, Prativa Maity, TMC candidate from Narayangarh, alleged that her party office located approximately 250 metres from Booth No. 118 was vandalised by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. She further claimed that the incident disrupted local party activities and created panic among workers.
Additional allegations emerged from Garhbeta in Karanga area under Anchal 10, where TMC workers claimed that a party office situated nearly 300 metres from Booth No. 186 at Kankrasole was damaged during a CAPF deployment operation. Local party functionaries also alleged that some residents were “manhandled” during the course of security checks.
Election authorities, however, have not issued any formal confirmation regarding these allegations, maintaining that polling was conducted under strict adherence to the Election Commission’s guidelines and that any complaints would be examined through due process.
The second phase of polling is scheduled for 29 April, while counting of votes will take place on 4 May.