West Bengal Election 2026 Live Updates: Over 90% turnout in Bengal Phase 1; Mamata sees clear edge for TMC

Amit Shah to address key Bengal poll issue in Kolkata tomorrow 10 am

Union home minister Amit Shah will address an important issue related to the West Bengal Assembly elections tomorrow at 10 am in Kolkata: BJP West Bengal

'Desire for change is reflecting in every part of West Bengal': PM Modi

People stepped out to cast their votes without fear: State Chief Electoral Officer as Phase I polling in West Bengal concludes

As the first phase of West Bengal polling concluded on Thursday, State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal said people stepped out to cast their votes without any fear.

State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal said, "Security at the polling stations was entirely under the control of the CAPF. People stepped out to cast their votes without any fear. This time, the webcasting was 100 per cent foolproof."

Meanwwhile, Special Poll Observer NK Mishra said West Bengal elections, known for electoral violence, must be made peaceful, free, fair, intimidation-free.

"The Election Commission of India's principle was very clear from the beginning: the West Bengal elections, known for electoral violence, must be made peaceful, free, fair, intimidation-free... The cardinal principle was the coordination and deployment of the state police, and the central paramilitary forces... Our deployment of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at the polling booths had a scale, and we deployed the force accordingly... There were more sensitive booths in Cooch Behar, Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, and other districts, and we paid more attention to them. We will take strict action against those who try to disrupt the peace of the voting process, and we will ensure that no one disrupts or obstructs the peaceful voting process...," Special Poll Observer told ANI.

West Bengal recorded higher voter turnout of 91.91 per cent in Phase I polling, according to the latest data by the Election Commission of India.

Several districts in West Bengal recorded over 90 per cent voter turnout. Dakshin Dinajpur led with 94.85%, followed by Cooch Behar at 94.54%, Birbhum at 93.70%, Jalpaiguri at 93.23%, and Murshidabad at 92.93%. The figures reflect consistently high voter participation across the state, with all major districts comfortably staying above the 90% mark.

'Today's sunset marks the end of Trinamool Congress': BJP chief Nitin Nabin

West Bengal, Tamil Nadu record highest-ever voter turnout since Independence

West Bengal Voting Phase 1 Live: 'We have already moved to a place where we can win,' says Mamata Banerjee on 90% turnout

With record polling of around 90% in the first phase of assembly elections in West Bengal, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said the high turnout indicates that the Trinamool Congress is in a strong position to win.

Addressing an election rally in Kolkata, she said, "If my eyes are right, given the voting that took place today, I would say that we (Trinamool Congress) have already moved to a place where we can win."

Mamata attributed the high turnout to what she described as a fight to protect people’s rights. "Do you know why so many votes were cast? This election is a fight to protect people's rights, that's why people voted in such large numbers," she said.

She also alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party would implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) if it comes to power, claiming this prompted voters to turn out in large numbers.

"From my understanding of people's mind, we (Trinamool Congress) are already in a position to win, given the polling held so far today. I am not interested in any post, I only want end of BJP government at the Centre," she said at the rally in the Bowbazar area under the Chowrangee assembly constituency.

'TMC marching to landslide victory': TMC

'A visit to Belur Math is always deeply special': PM Modi

91.78% voter turnout in Bengal: CEC Gyanesh Kumar

West Bengal records 91.78 per cent voting so far in phase 1 of assembly polls, highest-ever percentage since Independence: CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

'People voted fearlessly,' says West Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal

West Bengal Phase 1 Polls: In a press conference, West Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal said, "People voted fearlessly, I got reports that they were quite happy with the arrangements, the incidents were less, I want to thank the political parties, all the stakeholders for fair, peaceful elections."

'Highest ever turnout in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu since Independence, ECI salutes each voter': CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Saluting voters for their active participation in the festival of democracy, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar said on Thursday that West Bengal and Tamil Nadu recorded the highest-ever voter turnout since Independence as polling concluded at 6 pm.

"Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu since Independence - ECI salutes each voter of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu," CEC Gyanesh Kumar said.

Polling for the Assembly elections concluded at 6 pm on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a significantly higher voter turnout of 91.91 per cent in Phase I polling compared to Tamil Nadu, which recorded 84.80 per cent turnout, according to the latest data by the Election Commission of India.

The high turnout figures underline an active electoral exercise as polling drew to a close amid tight security arrangements across constituencies.

Several districts in West Bengal recorded over 90 per cent voter turnout. Dakshin Dinajpur led with 94.85%, followed by Cooch Behar at 94.54%, Birbhum at 93.70%, Jalpaiguri at 93.23%, and Murshidabad at 92.93%. The figures reflect consistently high voter participation across the state, with all major districts comfortably staying above the 90% mark.

Tamil Nadu also recorded strong turnout across key districts, with Karur leading at 92.48%, followed closely by Salem at 90.42%, Dharmapuri at 90.02%, Erode at 89.97% and Namakkal at 89.63%.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 85.2 per cent while Tamil Nadu recorded 76.6 per cent. The numbers reflect an overwhelming voter turnout across districts, reinforcing both states' consistent trend of high electoral participation.

'Sun of the TMC's corruption and hooliganism has set': Amit Shah

'Balagarh's boat industry once provided employment, but Mamata syndicate brought it to end': Amit Shah attacks TMC

Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched a blistering attack on the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, alleging that people in the state are forced to pay what he termed the "Bhaipo Tax" under a "syndicate" system run by the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

While addressing a public meeting in Balagarh, Shah said, "Bengalis have to pay 'Bhaipo Tax' to the TMC's syndicate. Bid farewell to the Mamata government with Tata-Bye-Bye, and we will take care of straightening out the syndicate people."

He alleged that the syndicate system had crippled local industries, particularly the traditional boat-making sector in the region.

"Balagarh's boat industry once provided employment, but the Mamata syndicate has brought it to an end. Forty-one factories were closed by Mamata Banerjee," he said, adding that a BJP government would revive the units.

West Bengal Assembly Elections: 'Elections were held peacefully,' says Humayun Kabir

Murshidabad, West Bengal: Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder, and candidate from the Rejinagar Assembly constituency, Humayun Kabir said, "... Elections were held peacefully. The decision of the Election Commission to conduct the elections in two phases. Today was the first phase of the elections in West Bengal. Today, elections were held peacefully..."

West Bengal Elections 2026 Live: BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Bengal polls

On West Bengal Assembly Election, BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, "Political parties may craft policies and programmes, promising commitment to public concerns. Yet, in the end, it is the people who decide. Elections are nothing less than a grand test, with candidates on one side and the electorate on the other. This time, I sense a turning tide. After nearly three decades and three terms of misrule, the public yearns for liberation from poor governance...

West Bengal Elections 2026: Mamata used state machinery to obstruct probe in I-PAC case, ED tells SC

Alleging complete breakdown of law and order in West Bengal, the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday told the Supreme Court that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee used the state machinery to obstruct its probe against I-PAC office in Kolkata related to a Rs 2,700-crore coal smuggling case.

A bench comprising justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and NV Anjaria heard Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General S V Raju on behalf of the ED and its official Robin Bansal and they sought a direction to the CBI to register an FIR and probe the case.

The court was hearing arguments on the ED's plea that has alleged obstruction by Banerjee and other state authorities during its January 8 search of the office of political-consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in Kolkata in connection with a money-laundering probe.

The ED alleges that the chief minister, accompanied by a large police contingent, personally intervened to halt the search and seize evidence collected by federal officers.

The proceedings began with a sharp exchange between the Solicitor General and senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy.

Guruswamy accused the ED of using the courtroom as a "social media weapon in a political campaign," labelling the SG's arguments as the behaviour of an "unelected crown".

"I cannot behave like a street fighter. I maintain a dignified silence," the solicitor general said.

Bengal votes in big numbers: Record 91.46% turnout in Phase 1

West Bengal (phase 1) recorded 91.46% approximate voter turnout.

West Bengal Phase 1 Voting Live: EVMs being sealed by officials as voting concludes

West Bengal | EVMs are being sealed by polling officials as the voting for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 concludes; Visuals from a polling booth in Siliguri

As of 5 pm, the approximate voter turnout of 89.93% has been recorded in phase 1 of the elections in West Bengal

West Bengal Phase 1 Voting: Mamata Banerjee holds Padyatra in Bhabanipur as first phase of polling ends in West Bengal

West Bengal chief minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur assembly constituency Mamata Banerjee on Thursday held a padyatra from Bhowanipur Kansaripara Shitala Mandir to Patua Para Crossing.

The visuals of the CM's padyatra were shared from her official Facebook page. She also visited the Jain mandir.

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling in West Bengal officially concluded amid tight security arrangements across constituencies at 6 PM.

At the Sersa Stadium polling booth in Kharagpur, polling activity came to a complete halt with no voters remaining in the queue by the end of voting hours. The main gate of the polling station was subsequently closed, marking the end of the day's electoral process.

With the completion of polling, the fate of candidates across all parties in the first phase now remains sealed inside Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), awaiting counting.

Election authorities are expected to begin the process of securing and transporting EVMs to strong rooms under strict surveillance.

The voter turnout surged to remarkable levels by 5 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal recording a massive 89.93% voter turnout rate, according to the Election Commission.

Dakshin Dinajpur led the state with an exceptional 93.12%, followed by Cooch Behar at 92.07%, Birbhum at 91.55%, Murshidabad at 91.36%, and Jalpaiguri at 91.20%. Jhargram (90.53%) and Paschim Medinipur (90.70%) also remained above the 90% threshold, while Bankura recorded 89.91% and Malda 89.56%. Darjeeling, though comparatively lower, still posted a strong 86.49%.

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: Arvind Kejriwal to campaign for Mamata for second phase

At the invitation of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal will campaign in the West Bengal Assembly elections. Kejriwal will campaign in favour of the TMC for the second phase of the elections on April 26–27: Aam Aadmi Party

Bengal election Phase 1: Massive 89.93% voter turnout recorded till 5pm

According to Election Commission, "Bengal records 89.93 per cent voter turnout till 5 pm in first phase of polls, Dakshin Dinajpur leads with 93.12 pc polling."

West Bengal Phase 1 Voting Live: TMC vice president Jay Prakash Majumdar on SIR

TMC Vice President Jay Prakash Majumdar said, "During the SIR process in which the names of 58 lakh voters were removed... in Bengal, voting usually happens at 80–85%. They removed the names of a lot of people by saying they are 'absentee voters'... a large number of names were removed. In West Bengal, voting is celebrated as the festival of democracy. The indication that was there in 2021, the indication that was there in 2016, is the same indication in 2026... people are voting for Mamata Banerjee. The number of seats the TMC will win is going to increase."

He further said, "The responsibility for the violence that is happening lies with the Election Commission. In the history of independent India, it is unprecedented that as many CRPF personnel are currently in Bengal as there are not even in Kashmir... despite this, if something happens, the responsibility lies with the Election Commission."

West Bengal Phase 1 Voting Live: 60-year-old woman dies after collapsing in queue in Malda

West Bengal polls: 60-year-old woman dead after collapsing while waiting in queue to vote at polling booth in Malda's Malatipur; family seeks financial assistance from govt.

West Bengal Voting 2026 Live: 'BJP tsunami sweeping through North Bengal,' says Locket Chatterjee amid ongoing assembly polls

As the first phase of polling for West Bengal assembly elections is underway, BJP leader Locket Chatterjee on Thursday exuded confidence in the formation of a BJP government in the state.

Speaking with ANI, Chatterjee lauded the Election Commission for the smooth conduction of the polls.

"A BJP tsunami is sweeping through North Bengal. We and the public alike were waiting for this moment; that time has come, and the government will change in a second. The people of Bengal want change. The Election Commission is conducting the polls very well. We are waiting for the day when a BJP worker takes oath as the state's CM," she stated.

Addressing the reports of an attack on a BJP candidate amid polls, Chatterjee said, "The Election Commission will deal with them strictly."

Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate, Suvendu Adhikari, inspected vulnerable polling booths in his constituency, Nandigram, amid the polling for State Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that he was not allowed to enter one of the polling booths.

West Bengal Phase 1 Voting Live: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Belur Math in Howrah

West Bengal Voting 2026 Live: 'They want to see a new dawn, a new sunrise in Bengal,' says BJP MP Nisith Pramanik

BJP candidate from Mathabhanga, Nisith Pramanik, said, "The way there's a festive atmosphere and enthusiasm among the people, I've never seen such excitement among ordinary voters in any previous election. Even those who had migrated from here for employment have returned to vote... There's tremendous enthusiasm among all the people, which shows that people want Ram Rajya. They want to see a new dawn, a new sunrise in Bengal... Wherever TMC is, there's violence. TMC isn't able to win properly, so it's resorting to other means... Compared to last time, the Election Commission has controlled the situation much better this time..."

Bengal polls phase 1: Villagers clash with central forces over EVM malfunction in Purulia

West Bengal Polls 2026: Clashes erupt between villagers and central forces over an alleged EVM malfunction in Budhpur village in Purulia.

'I'm warning Didi's goons not to step out of their homes': Amit Shah in Bengal's Arambagh

Arambagh, West Bengal | Addressing a public meeting, Union home minister Amit Shah said, "I'm warning Didi's goons not to step out of their homes on the 29th. If the people of Arambagh are troubled on the 29th, after the 5th, we'll hang them upside down and straighten them out."

West Bengal 2026 Voting: 'BJP government with an absolute majority is set to be formed in Bengal,' says Amit Shah

Union home minister Amit Shah said, "Today, the first phase of voting is nearly complete... On the 5th, Didi will face a complete rout. A BJP government with an absolute majority is set to be formed in Bengal... In the Bengal elections, on the 29th, you must press the button of the lotus symbol... All of you must press the button with the lotus symbol to liberate Bengal from infiltrators."

West Bengal Voting 2026 Live: AUJP founder Humayun Kabir visits Babri Mosque site in Bengal

Murshidabad, West Bengal: Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder, and candidate from the Rejinagar Assembly constituency, Humayun Kabir, visits the Babri Masjid construction site.

West Bengal 2026 Voting Live: '4 May is the expiry date for TMC,' says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "4 May is the expiry date for the TMC syndicate and maha jungleraaj. After 4 May, this loot will be accounted for. 'Katmanir khela cholbe na' (no more cut money games)..."

West Bengal Voting Live: West Bengal records 78.77% voting percentage as of 3 pm

The voter turnout in the ongoing Assembly polling gathered strong momentum by 3 PM on Thursday, with West Bengal leading the charts at an impressive 78.77% turnout rate, significantly outpacing Tamil Nadu, which recorded a 70.00% turnout, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The high participation levels signal robust voter engagement across both states, with several districts in West Bengal crossing the 80% mark well before polling hours conclude at 6 PM.

In West Bengal, multiple districts reported exceptionally high voter turnout figures, underscoring an energised electorate.

Dakshin Dinajpur emerged as the frontrunner with 81.49%, followed closely by Paschim Medinipur at 81.07%, Jhargram at 81.04%, and Birbhum at 80.22%. Murshidabad also saw strong participation at 79.72%, while Darjeeling and Malda recorded comparatively lower but still significant turnouts of 76.54% and 76.22%, respectively. The overall trend indicates a widespread and enthusiastic voter response across both urban and rural pockets of the state.

Tamil Nadu, while trailing behind West Bengal in overall turnout, still posted encouraging numbers across its districts. Namakkal led the state with 76.43%, closely followed by Karur at 76.08%, Salem at 75.79%, Erode at 75.61%, and Tiruppur at 75.38%. Other districts such as Dharmapuri (74.68%), Dindigul (74.35%), Kancheepuram (72.51%), Coimbatore (71.16%), Kallakurichi (71.11%), and Tiruchirappalli (71.05%) also reflected steady voter participation, contributing to the state's overall healthy turnout figures.

West Bengal 2026 Voting Live: Union home minister Amit Shah addresses public gathering in Balagarh

Union home minister Amit Shah addressing a public gathering in Balagarh, Hooghly, said, "After May 5, not a single person will be able to infiltrate Bengal. This is BJP's promise. Those who have already infiltrated, BJP will make sure that they are not only removed from voter lists, but from the country as well."

West Bengal 2026 Voting Live: PM Modi addresses poll rally in Bengal for second phase

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “The TMC government neither works itself nor allows the Centre’s work to proceed smoothly. The Centre had sent thousands of crores for flood and cyclone relief, but people did not receive the benefits. Even central funds are not reaching the public. This situation will change only when Bengal has a BJP Chief Minister. You have already made a BJP Prime Minister, when both PM and CM are aligned, development will happen day and night.”

West Bengal 2026 Voting Live: BJP candidate Debasis Ojha’s poll agent attacked in Labpur, alleges TMC role

BJP candidate from Labpur assembly constituency, Debasis Ojha's election agent Biswajit Mandal, was attacked today, allegedly by TMC workers and leaders.

Biswajit Mandal said, "I rushed to Debasis Ojha's locality in my constituency immediately upon receiving reports regarding a land dispute. Upon my arrival, a mob of 100 to 150 people surrounded me and vandalised my vehicle. They dragged me out of the car and assaulted me with sticks and stones, causing a head injury. Another BJP worker who was accompanying me also sustained injuries to his head and arm. I repeatedly attempted to contact the authorities and record the incident on video, but I received no response whatsoever. I somehow managed to escape with my life. The BJP came to my rescue and arranged for me to be admitted to a hospital."

West Bengal 2026 Voting Live: 'A large boulder was thrown onto my car,' says BJP leader Agnimitra Paul

BJP candidate from Asansol South Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul said, "My car was attacked and vandalised. I had gone to the Rahmat Nagar minority area when a large boulder was thrown onto my car. The entire back of the car was destroyed, and the glass was completely shattered. By God's grace, neither my security personnel nor I was hurt. However, my secretary, who was sitting at the back, was slightly injured. This cannot be tolerated, as this kind of incident keeps happening. You can easily understand who is behind this and who has good relations with the minority..."

West Bengal Polls: Arijit Singh's father casts vote in Murshidabad, says 'voting going smoothly'

As the first phase of polling for the West Bengal Assembly elections began on Thursday morning, singer Arijit Singh's father, Surinder Singh, arrived at a polling booth in Murshidabad to cast his vote.

After casting his vote, Surinder spoke to ANI and shared that the process was smooth and peaceful at the booth. He also wished that everything continues in the same manner during the elections.

"Everything is good. May everything go well. There is no problem at all. Voting is going on smoothly. I have cast my vote," he said.

In West Bengal, the parties are contesting against one another for 294 Assembly seats. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), the first phase covers 152 Assembly constituencies, while the second phase includes 142 seats. There are a total of 1,478 candidates in the fray in this phase. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee is aiming for a fourth consecutive term, while the BJP, which secured 77 seats in the previous election, is making a renewed push to form the government in the state.

West Bengal 2026 Voting Live: Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav exudes confidence in INDIA bloc allies victory

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on ongoing voting in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu said, "BJP is heading towards a historic defeat."

Bengal elections: BJP's Agnimitra Paul's car vandalised in Burnpur's Rahmatnagar area

West Bengal Elections 2026 | BJP candidate from Asansol South Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul's car vandalised in the Rahmatnagar area of ​​Burnpur.

Bengal Elections 2026 Voting Live: TMC MP and actor Shatrughan Sinha arrives to vote in Asansol

TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha said, "Some call me 'Bengali Babu', some call me 'Bihari Babu', but in reality, I am a 'Hindustani Babu'... As a citizen, I have come here to fulfil my duty. I am now a voter of Asansol, and I have come here to vote... It felt very good to come here..."

Voting in the first phase of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections was disrupted by fresh violence on Thursday after a video showed BJP candidate Subhendu Sarkar being chased across fields and allegedly assaulted by a mob in Kumarganj. The BJP claimed he was targeted by supporters of the All India Trinamool Congress while heading to a polling booth following reports of disturbances.

Sarkar alleged polling agents were forcibly removed and that he was attacked when he intervened, leaving him injured and his vehicle damaged.

West Bengal Elections 2026: PM lists 10 guarantees to the 'sisters of Bengal'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...Today, I offer 10 guarantees to the sisters of Bengal. The 1st guarantee is that those who commit atrocities against the sisters and daughters of Bengal will face the strictest possible punishment. Women's police stations will be established in every block, and special squads will be formed to ensure safety on the streets. The 2nd guarantee is that there will be large-scale recruitment of young women into the Bengal Police force. The 3rd guarantee is that, under the Bengal BJP government's 'Matri Shakti Bhorosa Card', Rs 36,000 will be transferred directly into women's bank accounts over the course of one year. The 4th guarantee is that the Bengal BJP government will provide financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to young women pursuing their graduation. The 5th guarantee is that the Bengal BJP government will provide financial aid of up to Rs 21,000 to expectant mothers."

He adds, "The 6th guarantee is that the Bengal BJP government will provide an additional Rs 36,000 to ensure better nutrition for infants. The 7th guarantee is that the future of our daughters will be secured through the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana... The 8th guarantee is that women will be granted Mudra loans of up to Rs 20 lakh for self-employment, and Modi himself will stand as the guarantor for these loans. Furthermore, assistance will be provided to help transform lakhs of sisters into 'Lakhpati Didis' (financially empowered women). The 9th guarantee is that crores of sisters and daughters in Bengal will receive free medical treatment worth up to Rs 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Additionally, our daughters will receive free vaccinations against cervical cancer and free screening for sickle cell disease. The 10th guarantee is that, under the PM Awas Yojana, the registration of homes for poor families in Bengal will be done in the name of the sisters of the household; thus, the sisters will be granted full ownership rights. A sum of Rs 1.5 lakh for the construction of the house will be deposited directly into their bank accounts. These are Modi's 10 guarantees, and a guarantee from Modi means a guarantee that the promise will definitely be fulfilled."

Bengal Elections 2026 Voting Live: 62.18% voter turnout recorded till 1pm

Approximate voter turnout as of 1 pm Tamil Nadu - 56.81% West Bengal (phase 1) - 62.18%

West Bengal Elections 2026: PM Modi says, 'TMC members run shops for manufacturing fake documents for infiltrators'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Modi's mantra is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' (support for all, development for all); yet, this ruthless government preaches and practices 'Ghuspaithiyon ka saath, Ghuspaithiyon ka vikas' (support for infiltrators, development for infiltrators). TMC members run shops for manufacturing fake documents for infiltrators and actively facilitate their settlement in slums... It is imperative to shut down every such shop run by the TMC. The borders remain secure only when the police, the army, the BSF, and the citizens all work together in unison. After May 4th, a new era of security guarantees is set to begin here in Bengal as well."

Bengal Elections 2026 Voting Live: 'Every single promise made during their 15-year tenure remains half-fulfilled,' PM Modi lashes out at TMC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The hallmark of the ruthless regime of TMC is: 'Tell lies and deceive.' Every single promise made during their 15-year tenure remains half-fulfilled... Everyone here has witnessed the TMC's model of 'loot' within the local municipality. This city is in a deplorable state... troubles abound on all sides. Yet, the members of the TMC remain occupied with nothing but looting... But this will not work now. The law will settle the full account with tyrants and the corrupt. Those who have looted you will have to pay it back..."

West Bengal Elections 2026: PM Modi targets TMC, says ‘people of Bengal fighting this election’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Nadia, West Bengal, said there is widespread anger against TMC leaders and their “syndicate,” claiming the party may struggle to open its account in several cities.

He drew parallels with the anti-Left wave 15 years ago, alleging that people are now rising against what he termed TMC’s “Jungle Raj.”

“We are not the ones fighting this election; this time, the election in Bengal is being fought by the people themselves,” he said, adding that a wave of public opposition is visible across the state.

West Bengal Elections 2026: PM Modi say, 'Jhalmuri maine khaayi lekin jhal TMC ko lagi'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...We have observed in the past that wherever the country has witnessed a massive voter turnout, the BJP has achieved a resounding victory... On May 4th, the victory celebrations for the BJP will take place in Bengal as well. Sweets will be distributed, and 'Jhal Muri' will be handed out too. Incidentally, I have heard that 'Jhal Muri' has already delivered a stunning shock to certain people... 'Jhalmuri maine khaayi lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai'..."

Bengal Elections 2026 Voting Live: Based on the information I have received so far, voter turnout is shattering all previous records, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...this is the first election of its kind in the last 50 years in which violence has been kept to an absolute minimum. Previously, it was common practice to hang someone every week and simply claim it was a suicide. In many respects, a regime of lawlessness and hooliganism prevailed. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Election Commission; they have once again restored the dignity of democracy on the soil of Bengal... I also commend the government employees here... Based on the information I have received so far, voter turnout is shattering all previous records."

West Bengal Elections 2026: Violence in Murshidabad as TMC and Humayun Kabir supporters trade blows on polling day

Supporters of the Trinamool Congress and Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP), led by Humayun Kabir, clashed violently on Thursday, using lathis, pelting stones and damaging vehicles parked along the roadside. Security forces intervened swiftly to bring the situation under control and disperse those involved.

The unrest followed Kabir’s visit to Nowda, where crude bombs were reportedly hurled the previous night ahead of polling. He staged a sit-in protest, alleging that police had lathi-charged his supporters and demanding the officer’s removal, while also urging the Election Commission to act against TMC workers.