West Bengal Registers Record Turnout in Phase 1 Assembly Polls

West Bengal's Assembly elections saw an unprecedented voter turnout of over 92% in its first phase on April 23, 2026, setting a new record since independence for the state's assembly polls. Polling across 152 constituencies recorded significant participation, even amidst reports of sporadic violence. A notable cultural moment, dubbed 'Jhalmuri Politics,' emerged when Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly consumed the popular street snack during a campaign stop in Jhargram. This act quickly became a focal point, with the BJP leveraging it for optics and the Trinamool Congress alleging it was a staged media event. Both major parties, the TMC and BJP, have since claimed early victories based on the high voter engagement. Campaigning for the second phase, covering 142 constituencies, concluded on April 27, with voting scheduled for April 29, and results expected on May 4, 2026.