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Malda, West Bengal | April 23, 2026
Voting in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections faced disruption at a polling booth in Malda after an alleged malfunction in the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) created chaos among voters. The incident took place at Balua Chara High School booth in the Mothabari constituency, where polling was temporarily halted, raising concerns over election management.
According to local reports, the situation worsened when the sector officer reportedly left the polling station during the disruption. Voters gathered at the booth expressed frustration as polling slowed down due to a technical issue. Election officials later intervened to restore the voting process and ensure that polling resumed smoothly.
Tension in a Politically Sensitive District
Malda has remained politically sensitive in the lead-up to the elections. The district recently witnessed a major controversy after several judicial officers faced protests earlier this month. The incident triggered political reactions across parties and added to the already charged atmosphere in the region.
Following the controversy, a team from the National Investigation Agency visited Malda on April 4. Officials inspected the office of the superintendent of police and later examined the block development officer’s office in Kaliachowk as part of their investigation.
The developments intensified the political climate ahead of polling, with parties closely monitoring law and order conditions in the district.
Political Blame Game Intensifies
The disruption at the polling booth has led to fresh political allegations. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused each other of mismanagement and attempting to influence the election process.
Leaders from both parties raised concerns over the reliability of polling arrangements and demanded strict action against those responsible for the disruption. The Election Commission is expected to review the incident and take necessary steps to prevent similar issues.
Key Candidates in Mothabari Constituency
The Mothabari constituency is witnessing a multi-cornered contest in this election. Candidates from major political parties are competing for voter support, making the seat one of the key battlegrounds in Malda.
The contest includes representatives from the TMC, BJP, Congress, and AIMIM, reflecting the diverse political landscape of the region. The presence of multiple parties has increased voter interest and intensified campaigning efforts.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the TMC secured victory in the constituency with a significant margin. The party aims to retain its stronghold, while opposition parties are making efforts to gain ground in the region.
Polling Under Tight Security
Polling for the first phase began at 7:00 AM under strict security arrangements across West Bengal. Authorities deployed security personnel at sensitive booths to ensure peaceful voting. Officials are closely monitoring polling stations to avoid disruptions and maintain transparency.
Voting will continue until 6:00 PM. Election officials expect steady voter turnout throughout the day despite isolated incidents like the one reported in Malda.
Large-Scale Electoral Exercise
The West Bengal Assembly elections cover all 294 constituencies in the state. The first phase includes 152 seats, while the second phase will cover 142 constituencies.
According to the Election Commission of India, a total of 1,478 candidates are contesting in this phase. The large number of candidates reflects the high level of political competition in the state.
High-Stakes Political Battle
The elections hold significant importance for all major parties. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is seeking a fourth consecutive term, banking on her government’s welfare schemes and grassroots support.
On the other hand, the BJP is making a strong push to expand its presence in the state after securing 77 seats in the previous election. The party aims to challenge the ruling TMC and form the government.
The outcome of the elections will play a crucial role in shaping the political future of West Bengal.
The disruption at the Malda polling booth highlights the challenges that can arise during large-scale elections. However, authorities acted quickly to restore the process and ensure voting continued. As polling progresses, voter participation and smooth conduct will remain key factors in determining the success of the election.
All eyes are now on the final results, which will be announced on May 4, 2026.
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