Kolkata
Campaigning Ends for 152 Bengal Seats as EC Steps Up Security
Today marks the final day of campaigning for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, with political parties making their last outreach effort before 152 constituencies across 16 districts vote on April 23.
Leaders from all major parties held rallies across the state, while the Election Commission of India has enforced a 48-hour silence period and dry days ahead of polling.
According to official figures, a total of 36,077,171 electors are eligible to vote in the first phase. This includes 18,499,496 male voters, 17,577,210 female voters, and 465 third-gender electors. Officials said these numbers may be revised after tribunal decisions on pending voter eligibility cases.
Security arrangements have been significantly strengthened, with more than 8,000 polling booths identified as super-sensitive. Enhanced deployment of central forces, surveillance teams, and quick response units has been ordered to ensure peaceful voting.
Authorities have also intensified monitoring in border areas, with some zones sealed to prevent any untoward incidents.
