West Bengal Elections Phase 1: A Glimpse Of Key Candidates To Watch Across 152 Seats

West Bengal is set for a crucial political battle as the first phase of Assembly elections will be held on April 23, 2026. This phase will cover a large part of the state, making it one of the most important stages of the election process.

Campaigning for this phase ends today, marking the beginning of the final countdown to voting.

Poll Schedule and Phases

The elections in West Bengal will take place in two phases:

• First Phase: April 23, 2026
• Second Phase: April 29, 2026
• Counting of Votes: May 4, 2026

A total of 152 constituencies across 16 districts will go to polls in the first phase. These include key regions in North Bengal, West Bengal, and parts of South Bengal such as Siliguri, Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, Raiganj, Balurghat, Malda, Murshidabad, Asansol, Bankura, and Baharampur.

A High-Stakes Bipolar Contest

The election is largely seen as a direct contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is trying to strengthen its position in the state.

While TMC aims to retain power, the BJP is working to expand its base and challenge the ruling party more aggressively than before.

Key Battles to Watch in Phase 1

Nandigram: Suvendu Adhikari vs Pabitra Kar

One of the most high-profile contests is in Nandigram, where Suvendu Adhikari is contesting against TMC's Pabitra Kar. Adhikari, once a close aide of Mamata Banerjee, joined the BJP in 2020 and defeated her in this very seat in the 2021 elections.

Now serving as the Leader of Opposition, Adhikari faces Kar, who was earlier associated with the BJP and is now challenging his former mentor. This seat remains one of the most closely watched in the state.

Baharampur: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury vs Subrata Maitra

In Baharampur, senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is contesting against BJP's Subrata Maitra. Chowdhury, a five-time MP from this region, lost the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to TMC's Yusuf Pathan.

The seat is currently held by Maitra, making this a significant contest between Congress and BJP in Murshidabad district.

Asansol Dakshin: Agnimitra Paul vs Tapas Banerjee

BJP leader Agnimitra Paul, one of the prominent women faces of the party, is contesting from Asansol Dakshin. She had won the seat in 2021.

She is up against TMC's Tapas Banerjee, a senior leader who has previously represented the seat for multiple terms. This contest is expected to be closely fought.

Kharagpur Sadar: Dilip Ghosh vs Pradip Sarkar

Senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh is contesting from Kharagpur Sadar. He had won the seat in 2016 but the BJP lost it narrowly in 2021.

TMC has once again fielded Pradip Sarkar, making this a rematch that could be crucial for both parties in Paschim Medinipur.

Mathabhanga: Nisith Pramanik vs Sablu Barman

Former Union Minister Nisith Pramanik is contesting from the Mathabhanga (SC) seat on a BJP ticket. He is considered a key leader for the party in North Bengal.

He faces TMC's Sablu Barman, while candidates from CPI(M) and Congress are also in the fray, making it a multi-cornered contest.

Domkal: Humayun Kabir vs Mostafijur Rahaman

In Domkal, former TMC leader Humayun Kabir is contesting after forming his own party, the Aam Janata Unnayan Party. Kabir, who was expelled from TMC in 2025, is now trying his luck independently.

He is contesting against CPI(M)'s Mostafijur Rahaman. The seat was previously won by TMC in 2021, making it an interesting contest this time.

Panihati: Ratna Debnath vs Nirmal Ghosh

In Panihati, BJP candidate Ratna Debnath is contesting against TMC's Nirmal Ghosh. Debnath is the mother of the woman doctor who was tragically raped and murdered at RG Kar Hospital two years ago.

Nirmal Ghosh has held this seat for several years, making it a significant contest in North 24 Parganas.

With campaigning for Phase 1 coming to an end, all political parties have intensified their efforts through rallies, roadshows, and public meetings. The coming days will test how effectively parties have connected with voters.