Violence erupted in Murshidabad amid the West Bengal Assembly elections when supporters of the Trinamool Congress chanted slogans and clashed with law enforcement following the appearance of Humayun Kabir, founder of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party.
On April 23, 2026, the Election Commission of India requested a detailed account from local authorities regarding claims that numerous individuals in Murshidabad’s Domkal area were barred from voting during the initial phase of the state elections.
Multiple residents in Domkal reported facing threats and harassment, including warnings of physical harm if they tried to access voting locations.
The Chief Electoral Officer for West Bengal reported a 41.11% voter participation rate by 11 a.m.
Voting commenced at 7 a.m. across 152 constituencies in 16 districts, supported by extensive security measures. By 9 a.m., 18.76% of the 3.60 crore eligible voters had cast their ballots.
These crucial elections follow a Special Intensive Revision that decreased the state’s voter list by nearly 12%. The Election Commission has stationed a record 2,450 units of central paramilitary forces, totaling about 2.5 lakh personnel, to ensure safety.
The next voting phase is scheduled for April 29, covering 142 constituencies near Kolkata, with results to be announced on May 4.
