Bengal Phase 1 Polls 2026: Humayun Kabir Dharna and Widespread Violence Mar First Phase

Now the dust has settled on the first day of polling, but the echoes of political friction remain. On Thursday, April 23, West Bengal held its first phase of assembly elections across 152 constituencies in 16 districts. Therefore, the Bengal Phase 1 Polls 2026 violence has become the primary topic of post-poll analysis. Specifically, the day was marked by high-voltage drama in Murshidabad, where Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) leader Humayun Kabir held a state highway dharna after his convoy was attacked and a car was vandalized.

Meanwhile, a record voter turnout of over 92% was recorded, despite temperatures soaring and isolated incidents of communal and political clashes.

But for the families of two voters who died in queues, the day ended in tragedy, highlighting the physical toll of a high-stakes summer election.

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Nowda Highway Blockade: Humayun Kabir’s Dharna

Now the most visible disruption occurred in the Nowda Assembly constituency of Murshidabad. AJUP leader and candidate Humayun Kabir found himself at the center of a pitched battle between his supporters and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Therefore, the Bengal Phase 1 Polls 2026 violence in Nowda started as an altercation and ended in a total traffic shutdown.

The Highway Shutdown

First, an altercation broke out at booth 173 in Shibnagar village between Kabir and Nowda TMC block president Safiuzzaman. Then, even after police dispersed the initial crowd, Kabir and his followers blocked the Amtala-Tehatta state highway for an hour. Thus, several voters were physically blocked from reaching their polling stations. Next, agitated voters and TMC workers retaliated by attacking Kabir’s convoy. Therefore, while Kabir was escorted to safety by his security team, the vehicle of AJUP chairman Saiful Islam Mondal was completely vandalized by the mob.

Assault in Kumarganj: BJP Candidate Slapped and Punched

Now, in Dakshin Dinajpur, the tension between the BJP and TMC manifested in a physical attack on a candidate. Subhendu Sarkar, the BJP’s face in Kumarganj, alleged a brutal assault outside booth 24 at Banihari High School. Therefore, the security of candidates remains a major concern for the ECI.

Violence in Front of Police

First, Sarkar arrived at the booth to investigate claims that TMC workers were influencing voters. Then, he was allegedly slapped and punched in the face in the presence of local police. Thus, he was forced to flee the area to avoid further injury. Next, he was treated at a super-specialty hospital in Gangarampur for his injuries. Therefore, Sarkar has filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission, naming specific TMC workers as his attackers.

Tragedy in the Queue: Two Voter Deaths Reported

Now the physical toll of standing in the April heat was tragically felt in North Dinajpur and Malda. Two voters lost their lives while attempting to exercise their democratic right. Therefore, the focus has shifted toward better medical facilities at polling booths.

Fatalities on Election Day:

• Goalpokhar: 62-year-old Dulal Oraon died after collapsing in the queue at Taliyapokhar Primary School.

• Malda: 47-year-old Pramila Bagdi collapsed shortly after casting her vote in the Malatipur constituency.

First, family members of Oraon noted that he suddenly felt sick while waiting at Booth 23. Then, in Malda, Pramila Bagdi had insisted on voting despite being unwell earlier in the day. Thus, both were rushed to nearby hospitals but were declared dead on arrival. Next, the ECI has ordered a report into these deaths to see if heat-related fatigue was the primary cause. Therefore, the “festive” mood of the 92% turnout is tempered by these human losses.

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EVM Tampering: The Black Tape Incident in Mathabhanga

Now, technology-related sabotage was also reported in Cooch Behar. Voting was briefly halted at booth 261 in the Mathabhanga constituency after a shocking discovery on the Electronic Voting Machine. Therefore, the Bengal Phase 1 Polls 2026 violence narrative includes technical interference.

Covering the Candidate

First, the BJP alleged that black tape had been placed over candidate Nishith Pramanik’s name on the EVM. Then, an election inspection team and central forces were deployed to the booth to verify the claim. Thus, polling was paused for nearly an hour as the machine was inspected and the tape removed. Next, officials confirmed the tampering, though the culprit remains unidentified. Therefore, the ECI has increased the frequency of machine checks for the upcoming second phase on April 29.

Allegations Against Central Forces in Chopda

Now the role of paramilitary personnel has also come under scrutiny. In North Dinajpur’s Chopda constituency, an elderly woman and her nephew alleged a brutal assault by central forces. Therefore, the “neutrality” of the security grid is being questioned by local parties.

Pressure to Vote

First, local sources at booth 162 in Mohongachh Primary School alleged that security personnel were pressuring voters to favor the BJP. Then, when Jharimannessa protested, she and her nephew were reportedly beaten. Thus, she sustained a significant head injury, while her nephew suffered hand injuries. Next, the forces have yet to issue an official response to these allegations. Therefore, the TMC has used this incident to claim that the central forces are being “politically utilized” by the opposition.

Sitai Violence: BJP Agent Thrashed with Knives

Now, in a chilling report from Sitai, a polling agent was allegedly attacked with a lethal weapon. Jahangir Alam, a BJP agent at booth 270, described a coordinated ambush that occurred during his lunch break.

The Knife Attack

First, Alam claimed he was surrounded by a mob of 50 to 60 people as he left the polling station. Then, he was severely beaten and allegedly attacked with a knife. Thus, he was left with multiple injuries and required immediate hospitalization. Next, he was rescued by security forces and taken to a local health center for treatment. Therefore, the BJP has alleged that the TMC is targeting polling agents to “clear the field” for booth capturing in rural belts.

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Dinhata Detentions: TMC Leader Arrested for Intimidation

Now, law enforcement has also taken proactive measures against political workers. In Dinhata, police arrested Samedul Islam, a local TMC chairman, citing violations of ECI protocols. Therefore, the “Model Code of Conduct” was strictly enforced in several pockets.

Curbing Crowds

First, police dispersed a gathering of TMC workers near booth 174, as EC rules prohibit crowding within 100 meters of a polling station. Then, Islam was arrested following specific allegations of voter intimidation in the area. Thus, the TMC has officially characterized the arrest as “politically motivated” to weaken their local organization. Next, the central forces have maintained a high-visibility presence in Dinhata to prevent retaliatory violence. Therefore, the district remains on edge as the counting date of May 4 approaches.

Summary of Phase 1 Turnout and Final Tally

Now, despite the localized unrest, the sheer volume of voters was historic. According to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), the overall turnout across the 152 constituencies crossed 92%. Therefore, the Bengal Phase 1 Polls 2026 violence occurred against a backdrop of massive democratic participation.

Highest Turnout Districts:

• Dakshin Dinajpur: 95.22%

• Cooch Behar: 95.17%

• Birbhum: 94.19%

First, these numbers surpass the turnout of both the 2021 assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Then, the ECI hailed the record participation as a victory for the “voter’s spirit.” Thus, while the 16 districts saw 1,478 candidates in the fray, the voters remained the central protagonists of the day. Next, the counting for these seats—along with those in Tamil Nadu—will take place on May 4. Therefore, the focus now shifts to the remaining 142 seats in Phase 2.

Common Questions Answered

What happened to Humayun Kabir in Nowda?

Now he held a highway blockade for an hour after his convoy was attacked during a clash between AJUP and TMC workers.

Were there any deaths during Bengal Phase 1 polls?

First, yes. Two voters—Dulal Oraon in Goalpokhar and Pramila Bagdi in Malda—died after falling ill while at the polling stations.

What was the EVM issue in Mathabhanga?

Next, the BJP alleged that candidate Nishith Pramanik’s name was covered with black tape on the machine. Therefore, polling was halted for an hour.

Which district had the highest turnout in Phase 1?

So Dakshin Dinajpur recorded the highest turnout at 95.22%, closely followed by Cooch Behar at 95.17%.

When is the next phase of the West Bengal election?

Finally, the second and final phase for the remaining 142 seats will be held on April 29, 2026. Thus, the state remains under high security.

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