Today marks the final day of campaigning for the first phase of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, with political parties making their last push before 152 constituencies in 16 districts head to the polls on 23rd April. Leaders from all major parties are holding rallies across the state, while the Election Commission has enforced strict rules, including a 48-hour silence period and dry days. According to official figures to date, 36,077,171 electors are eligible to cast their votes in this phase. Of these, 18,499,496 are male voters, 17,577,210 are female voters, and 465 are third-gender electors. These figures will be revised once tribunals submit the final list of eligible voters. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has stepped up security arrangements ahead of polling. More than 8,000 booths have been identified as super-sensitive for the first phase, with enhanced deployment of central forces, surveillance teams and quick response units. Authorities say these measures are aimed at ensuring free, fair and peaceful voting. Strict surveillance has been ordered in the border areas, and some areas have been sealed to avoid any untoward incidents.