The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections began on Thursday, covering 152 constituencies across 16 districts. The Election Commission of India (ECI) deployed 2407 companies of central armed police forces (CAPF) and state police to ensure security during the polling process. No civic volunteers or contractual staff were involved in this phase. The total number of eligible voters has reached 3,607,310, following the last-minute inclusion of 139 electors. The constituencies of Coochbehar-Dakshin, Karandighi, and Itahar have the highest number of candidates, with 15 each, while Chadrokona in West Medinipur has the fewest with only five candidates. To maintain order, the ECI established a control room in Kolkata and deployed 152 general observers and 58 police observers. Security measures include a 100-meter perimeter around polling premises to prevent intimidation. Key political figures, including Suvendu Adhikari (Leader of Opposition), and various leaders from the BJP, TMC, and Congress, are among the candidates whose fates will be decided in this election phase.