The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is set for April 23, 2026, covering 152 constituencies in regions such as Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri. This phase is critical for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as they vie for control in a politically diverse landscape. Key constituencies include Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Malda, where factors like tribal voting patterns and anti-incumbency will play significant roles. The TMC is focused on maintaining its stronghold, leveraging Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's welfare image, while the BJP aims to capitalize on its growing influence in border areas. An analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that 23% of candidates have declared criminal cases, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. Additionally, the ongoing controversy surrounding voter roll revisions, with over 90 lakh names removed, adds another layer of complexity to this crucial election phase. The results will be counted on May 4, 2026.