West Bengal Election 2026 Highlights: Women turnout at 92.28% in phase 2, surpasses male electorate

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Following the conclusion of the high-decibel second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has projected a decisive mandate for his party, claiming that a "new, saffronised Bengal" will emerge on counting day. Speaking after the close of polls, Adhikari asserted that voter turnout in his constituency of Bhabanipur had surged past 90%, signalling a massive wave of support for "Parivartan." Thanking BJP workers for their relentless "hard work," he expressed absolute confidence in winning the seat by a margin of over 30,000 votes and predicted the BJP would secure no fewer than 180 seats statewide to form the next government on May 4.  

The polling day, however, was marked by sharp allegations from Adhikari against the ruling Trinamool Congress. The BJP leader accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of attempting to "threaten" the local police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) while moving through the constituency with "goonda elements." Adhikari claimed that he remained active across the booths to "instil confidence" in the electorate despite these alleged intimidation tactics.

Security remained a flashpoint as Adhikari detailed two specific incidents of aggression during the day. He alleged that "Bangladeshi Muslims" targeted him by raising "Joy Bangla" slogans and claimed that "Jamateismali supporters" attempted an attack when he visited the Iqbalpur area after 5 PM. While Adhikari noted that the police eventually controlled the situation in Iqbalpur, he framed these encounters as part of a broader pattern of resistance against the political change he believes is now inevitable. Adhikari concluded by stating that the high participation from the Hindu community confirms a fundamental shift in the state's political landscape.

Trinamool Congress leaders on Wednesday rubbished exit polls that predicted a clear edge for the BJP in West Bengal, with Rajya Sabha member Derek O'Brien questioning the credibility of such projections.

In a post on X, O'Brien pointed out that several exit polls had missed the mark during the last West Bengal assembly elections.

"Credibility of exit polls? Bengal polls 2021. How off the mark were the predictions from the final results," he said, sharing data from three exit polls that had forecast a close contest between the TMC and the BJP. The TMC eventually secured a decisive victory.

O'Brien shared a slide citing three exit polls from 2021, which had projected 143-162 seats for the TMC and 115-“147 for the BJP. However, the TMC went on to win 215 seats, while the BJP secured 77.

The party's former Rajya Sabha member Saket Gokhale also weighed in, saying that while exit polls often suggest a "close contest" in West Bengal, electoral mandates in the state have historically been decisive.

"Exit polls generally play it safe by calling it a 'close contest' in Bengal. Except that mandates in Bengal are never 'close'. They're always decisive," Gokhale said in a post on X.

"No reliable exit poll (if such things exist) is predicting a thumping 180+ 'BJP wave'. My claim on record: TMC will form the government on May 4 in Bengal with a massive mandate," he added.

In West Bengal, while most exit polls predicted a BJP win, two pollsters – People's Pulse and Janmat – projected a comfortable victory for the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee.

People's Pulse estimated 177–187 seats for the TMC, 95-110 for the BJP, 0-1 for the Left Front and 1-3 for the Congress. Janmat projected 195-205 seats for the TMC, 80-90 for the BJP alliance, and 1-3 for the Congress.

Most other pollsters, however, gave the BJP an edge. Matrize projected 146–161 seats for the BJP and 125-140 for the TMC, while P-Marq forecast 150-175 for the BJP and 118-138 for the TMC.

Poll Diary estimated 142–171 seats for the BJP, 99-127 for the TMC and 3-5 for the Congress. Praja Poll predicted a strong BJP performance, projecting 178-208 seats for the party, while estimating 85–110 seats for the TMC.

West Bengal has a total of 294 assembly seats, with the majority mark set at 148.

In a significant display of democratic engagement across West Bengal, female voters consistently outpaced their male counterparts throughout the assembly elections. During the second phase on Wednesday, women recorded a 92.28% turnout, surpassing the 91.07% participation rate of male voters. This trend followed a strong showing in the first phase, where female turnout reached 94.1% against 92.34% for the male electorate. When accounting for both phases of polling combined, the final figures consolidate this trend, with women maintaining a lead at 93.24% participation compared to 91.74% for men.

In phase two of the West Bengal assembly polls, Purba Bardhaman reported a 93.60% turnout, the highest among all the districts in the state. Kolkata South, on the other hand, reported the lowest turnout with 87.59% of total voters.

In a landmark shift in West Bengal’s political history, the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Agarwal, announced today that voter participation is expected to hit a record 93% following the conclusion of the second and final phase of the 2026 Assembly elections. With current data showing a turnout of 92.47%, the state has surpassed all previous benchmarks, including the historic 2011 polls. Agarwal, who personally monitored several booths in Alipore that recorded over 80% voting, described the figures as "historic" and attributed the surge to a newfound voter confidence in the security and transparency of the process.

The 2026 elections stood in stark contrast to the bloodshed of previous cycles. While the 2021 elections saw 24 deaths and over 60 incidents of bombing, this year’s polling recorded zero deaths and a total absence of bombing. This peaceful environment was maintained by a massive deployment of 5 lakh staff, supported by SDO and WBCS-rank officers. Security was further tightened by the CRPF, which was given sole responsibility for the 100-meter perimeter around booths, protecting webcasting equipment and ensuring that no unauthorised persons could interfere with the queue.

A significant "marked departure" from the past was the role of digital surveillance. CEO Agarwal noted that 100% webcasting acted as a powerful deterrent against booth jamming. There was not a single reported incident of a booth agent being forcibly removed, a common complaint in previous years. Under strict new directives, any such interference caught on camera would lead to immediate imprisonment. While the second phase on April 23rd remained entirely free of agent intimidation, some minor friction was reported in the first phase, though it did not disrupt the overall peace.

The state police and paramilitary forces achieved a major security breakthrough, conducting a vast preventive operation that saw 67,517 people arrested or bound down. This sweep resulted in the seizure of 397 arms and 1,383 crude bombs. Specific arrests were made in districts like Barrackpore (76) and Purba Bardhaman (74). Officials noted that while most preventive detentions were only for the duration of the polling day, they were instrumental in preventing the "bomb culture" that characterised earlier elections in 2016 and 2021.

Despite the high success rate, technical issues led to minor disruptions. Authorities received a total of 77 complaints regarding black tape or adhesive being placed on EVM buttons, with the highest numbers coming from Falta (32), Diamond Harbour (29), and Mograhat (13). Due to these reports of potential tampering, Agarwal confirmed that repolling is likely in Falta and must be concluded by May 2nd.

As the state reflects on a transition from violence to a high-participation democratic exercise, there is already a growing appeal to the Election Commission to consider shifting to a single-phase election in the future. With Kolkata North and South both crossing the 85% mark and stakeholders handling the process with unprecedented maturity, the 2026 polls have set a new gold standard for the state’s electoral conduct.

The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, hailed the high voter turnout in West Bengal. 

"Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal in both Phase I & II since Independence - Chunav ka Parv, Paschim Bengal ka Garv," said Gyanesh Kumar.

The voter turnout was recorded at 91.88 per cent in West Bengal after the phase two polling ended in Bengal. 

West Bengal witnessed an 89.99% turnout in Bengal at 5 pm for 142 seats. The turnout surpassed 2021 numbers for the same seats.

The voter turnout in Bhabanipur was recorded at 85.51 per cent amid incidents of tussles throughout the day. 

In Bhabanipur, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting against the Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari.

700 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces will be deployed in West Bengal after polling, as per the statement of the Election Commission. The central forces will work to control the law and order situation after polling. 

The ruling Trinamool Congress has hit out at the BJP over the stay of central forces. It said that the BJP is scared of losing.

Suvendu Adhikari was seen drinking Thumbs Up from a poll agent in the Bhabanipur assembly constituency. 

"She called me and gave me cold drinks. It is very hot here, and I drank it," Adhilkari said. 

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee lashed out at the central forces on the final day of the West Bengal polls. 

"In Udaynarayanpur, an elderly man went to cast his vote with his son. Too frail to walk unaided, his son tried to help him into the booth. Central Forces pushed and manhandled both. The old man collapsed, was rushed to Amta Hospital and declared dead on arrival," Banerjee wrote on X. 

Accusing the forces of working as BJP's private army, he further mentioned, "Since dawn, these Central Forces have been terrorising ordinary citizens- slapping women, assaulting the elderly, attacking even children. This is the SITALKUCHI MENTALITY of 2021: cold-blooded, merciless violence against unarmed civilians. BJP paid a heavy price for the blood of innocents in 2021. They will pay an even heavier price in 2026." 

He also compared central forces with butchers. 

89.99% of people voted in the second phase of the Bengal Assembly polls till 5 pm. 

East Burdwan district witnessed the highest turnout of voters with 92.46%. The lowest turnout was witnessed in Kolkata South with 86.11%.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur took a jibe at the Trinamool Congress as he said that the people of Bengal would not forgive the Trinamool Congress government for its alleged misrule in the state. 

"The public will not forgive them (TMC) for their misrule; they don't want Jungle Raj, illegal infiltration, atrocities against women and unemployment...People have voted overwhelmingly in support of the BJP," Thakur said. 

The Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, will be addressing the press at 6 pm once the poll comes to an end. 

The press conference will take place at 6 pm at the BJP office in Bhabanipur.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the Trinamool Congress will secure a victory in the assembly election with a two-thirds majority. 

The announcement came amid incidents of turmoil that were witnessed across the state and even in her constituency, Bhabanipur.

High drama once again unfolded in Bengal's Bhabanipur constituency, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is taking on the Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari. 

On Wednesday evening, Adhikari was gheraoed by a section of Trinamool Congress workers who raised the Joy Bangla slogan when Adhikari was on his booth inspection drive. 

Earlier this morning, Adhikari faced the wrath of the Trinamool Congress supporters, who gheraoed him and called him a thief. 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on the phase 2 polling day, lashed out at the central forces, accusing them of torturing voters. 

"The CRPF personnel and central observers are beating people; they have not even spared women and children. Since last night, they have started atrocities," Banerjee said on his home turf, Bhabanipur, which went through incidents of turmoil.

He also said that the central forces have taken many of the TMC workers into custody, which violates the principles of electoral democracy in India. 

"How many of our people have they taken into custody? This is contempt of court. I have never seen such democracy," Banerjee said. 

However, she asserted that Trinamool would win a thumping majority despite the alleged nexus between the BJP, the central forces, and the Election Commission. '

"We will win, TMC is winning," Banerjee concluded. 

The Election Commission of India said the allegations of EVM tampering will be investigated. The poll body has also said that repolls will be conducted in booths in Falta if the allegations are proven true. 

On the second-phase polling day, BJP candidate Debangshu Panda from the Falta constituency accused the ruling party of deliberately preventing voters from casting their ballots in favour of the BJP by jamming the EVM buttons. He lodged a complaint with the poll body, based on which the ECI ordered a probe into the incident. 

Meanwhile, repolling in booths will occur if the District Magistrates of their respective districts corroborate all complaints and submit to the ECI. The poll body will then take a call.

The voter turnout till 3 pm across all 142 assembly seats has come close to the turnout that was registered in the 2021 assembly elections. 

After 3 pm, the voter turnout stood at 78.7% in 142 seats. In 2021, the same seats registered 80.4%.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra took a jibe at Amit Shah on the duration of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Bengal. 

Calling Shah a 'liar', Moitra said that the de-induction of the CAPF has already begun.

"Liar Amit Shah insisted his CAPF army will remain in Bengal for 60 days to protect BJP. Truth is de-induction begins from tomorrow & orders have already been issued!" Moitra wrote. 

With 83.11%, East Burdwan district registered the highest turnout of voters till 3 pm in the second phase of the assembly elections. On the other hand, Kolkata South witnessed the lowest turnout with 75.38%. 

Overall polling till 3 pm stands at 78.68%.

Our coverage of exit polls for five states will begin at 5.30 pm. 

To catch all the live updates, follow: https://indiatoday.tech/amp/elections/assembly/story/exit-poll-result-2026-live-updates-poll-of-polls-tamil-nadu-west-bengal-kerala-puducherry-assam-when-where-to-watch-full-coverage-2903215-2026-04-29

After massive polling in the first phase, voters enthusiastically practised their rights in the second phase as well. 

After 3 pm, a 78.68% voter turnout was recorded in West Bengal.

Polling will close at 6 pm.

After bumper polling in phase 1, voters have enthusiastically taken part in the second phase of the West Bengal polls. 

Till 1 pm, 61.1% of voters had cast their votes across 142 seats.

The mayor of Kolkata and Trinamool Congress heavyweight Firhad Hakim said that polling is occurring peacefully in the second phase, and especially in Bhabanipur, where Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee is contesting against the Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari. He also said that polling happened peacefully in Kolkata Port assembly constituency, where Hakim himself is contesting against BJP's Rakesh Singh.

Bhangar, South 24 Parganas: Tension escalated in Bhangar and surrounding areas during the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections on Wednesday, as the Indian Secular Front (ISF) alleged that TMC was attempting to intimidate polling agents and influence voters. Following security concerns, the Election Commission deployed NIA officials across at least seven Assembly seats to prevent disruptions, including potential use of explosives.

West Bengal Minister and TMC candidate from the Kolkata Port Assembly constituency Firhad Hakim, along with his family, cast his vote at Booth No. 258 in Kolkata during the ongoing Assembly elections.

Leader of Opposition and BJP candidate from Bhabanipur and Nandigram, Suvendu Adhikari, alleged that he was attacked by “hooligans” at Booth No. 217 during polling. He claimed that the attackers were not voters but “outsiders” brought in by the ruling party.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s grandnephew Chandra Kumar Bose cast his vote at City College in Golpark during the West Bengal Assembly elections. Speaking to PTI, he said that while polling arrangements were proper at his booth, issues were being reported from some other areas.

Bose claimed that in Tollygunge, central forces were allegedly asking voters in queues to show documents, adding that only election authorities are authorised to verify voter IDs or slips unless there is a law-and-order situation. He said such practices should not take place on polling day.

Calling it an important day for democracy, he said people of Bengal believe in unity beyond religion and identify foremost as Indians. He added that any attempt to use religion for divisive politics would not succeed in the state, as voters would reject such politics.

BJP candidate from Shibpur Assembly constituency Rudranil Ghosh, after casting his vote in Howrah, said that earlier he used to vote for other candidates, but this time he is contesting from his own constituency where voters are also his neighbours.

He said voting for himself has been the most exciting experience of his life and expressed gratitude to the people of Shibpur for their support and trust.

TMC candidate from Beleghata Assembly constituency Kunal Ghosh said that the public is in support of “Didi,” but alleged that slow polling was being caused due to mismanagement by the Election Commission. He said people had already faced long queues during the SIR process and were again facing delays due to EC arrangements.

Ghosh, however, noted that women voters and senior citizens were coming out in large numbers to vote, calling it a positive sign.

Voting was temporarily halted at Booth No. 35 in the Monteswar Assembly constituency in Purba Bardhaman after allegations surfaced that an EVM button was covered with cellophane tape.

According to reports, the fourth button on the EVM, bearing a candidate’s photograph, was allegedly found taped, prompting polling to be stopped as a precaution.

Election Commission officials and police personnel reached the spot and are currently examining the machine and verifying the allegations. Efforts are underway to restore smooth polling at the booth. The taped button is said to correspond to TMC candidate Siddiqullah Chowdhury.

Inputs by Sujata Mehra

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari alleged that “Bangladeshi voters” raised slogans against him, claiming they were frustrated after their names were deleted from the voter list. He further said that the administration has now issued directions restricting gatherings to not more than four people after casting their votes.

Inputs by Piyush Mishra

BJP candidate and mother of RG Kar victim Ratna Debnath alleged that she was targeted by TMC workers earlier in the day, claiming that “goons” were sent who attacked her while shouting “go back” slogans. She further alleged that police did not take action when she sought arrests.

Debnath also claimed that at a polling booth, ink had been found on the BJP button of an EVM, raising concerns over voting integrity. She questioned how voters would be able to cast their ballots under such conditions.

Turnout across 142 seats reached 61.1%, with 20 constituencies already above 65%. In 2021, these same seats finished at 80.4%.

The Election Commission said repolling will be held at all booths in West Bengal where EVM buttons were taped following allegations of tampering in the Falta constituency.

"Repolling will be conducted at all polling stations where black or white tape has been found on EVMs. However, if such incidents are reported in a large number of booths within any Assembly constituency, repolling will be held across the entire constituency", said State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal.

Voters confronted a police officer, alleging that he tried to influence polling, prompting the Congress to demand strict action. The incident was reported from the Char Muktarpur area in Nadia district, where voters claimed police personnel were attempting to sway their choice. The Congress alleged that state police officials were asking voters to support the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Following the complaint, a party leader rushed to the spot, raising concerns over alleged interference in the electoral process.

Congress candidate from Baharampur Assembly constituency, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, said, "It is impossible to expect elections in Bengal to be free of violence".

"We expected this from the ruling party's side. Still, people in large numbers are participating in the elections. The common people feel that they will be able to vote because Central Forces have been deployed in large numbers here. Common people are participating in the elections without fear," he noted. 

Barrackpore Police Commissioner Amit Kumar Singh said elections are progressing peacefully.  "Very minor incidents have taken place in Panihati, Kanchrapara, and the police reached there immediately and resolved them. Otherwise, the situation is all peaceful. Some preventive arrests have been made. Everyone is casting their vote, and if you see, there are very long lines outside all the booths, so it means that voting is going very well," he told media.

TMC leader Abhishek Chatterjee alleged, "We have heard that a person associated with the BJP carrying a sharp object in his hand was threatening people to vote in favour of the BJP" in Howra.

"We have made a video of this incident and shared it with the District Administration and the media. The police have arrested that person. BJP has lost everything, and this is the reason BJP is trying to threaten people to vote in their favour," he added. 

Voter turnout in the second and final phase of the Assembly elections rose to 61.11% by 1 pm on Wednesday, indicating strong polling momentum across constituencies.

A lathi charge by central forces was reported in Falta in South 24 Parganas during polling on Wednesday. The Trinamool Congress has alleged that security personnel also assaulted women voters during the incident. Further details are awaited, and the situation is being monitored.

Inputs by Indrajit Kundu

Tension erupted at a polling booth in Bhabanipur after BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari entered the premises and people present raised slogans of “Joy Bangla.” Police rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control and carried out a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.  

While getting in his vehicle, Suvendu Adhikari said, "They are all Bangladeshi Muslims...They are scared. Mamata will be wiped out."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he thanked the people for their awareness of democratic rights, noting that voters are participating in large numbers in the electoral process. He also said that Assembly poll results on May 4 will strengthen the resolve of a developed India and add new energy to the country’s development journey.

""I thank the great people of Bengal that they are aware of their rights and are casting their vote in large numbers," PM Modi said after inaugurating the Ganga Expressway

Tensions were reported between Trinamool Congress and ISF workers at a polling booth set up at Hatra Bazaar Primary School during voting. Police detained several individuals in connection with the incident as the situation was brought under control.

Congress candidate from Chapra (82), Ashif Khan, alleged that TMC workers were intimidating voters across the area and preventing opposition polling agents from remaining at booths. He claimed such incidents were being reported at multiple locations and said he was filing a complaint with the Election Commission, asserting that people were voting for the Congress.

Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and his wife Dona Ganguly cast their votes at a polling booth in South 24 Parganas during the West Bengal Assembly elections. Speaking on voter turnout, Ganguly said that the previous phase also saw high participation and added that the final figures would be clear by the evening.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim and BJP candidate from Panihati, alleged that TMC workers used abusive language and attempted to intimidate her during polling-related movement. She claimed they made personal remarks against her and threatened her, saying they would “see her on 4th May.”

Debnath said she lodged a complaint with the police and demanded action, but alleged that she was initially asked to leave the spot and was not allowed to be accompanied by her Chief Election Agent. She further claimed that after her complaint, police later removed the TMC workers present at the location.

BJP candidate from Chapra Assembly constituency, Saikat Sarkar, alleged that his polling agent Musharraf Mir from Nadia was attacked early in the morning while heading to Booth No. 53. He claimed that the TMC candidate’s associates assaulted the agent with a gun and a rod from behind, causing a head injury that required six stitches. 

"At around 6 in the morning, our agent Musharraf Mir was going to booth number 53. At that time, the TMC candidate, his goon Mufizul, and other people came together and hit him on the forehead from behind with a gun, a rod. He suffered six stitches, so he is still in the hospital. After that, a complaint was filed at the police station. We want free and fair elections," he said. 

Sekharranjan Debnath, father of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim, alleged that he and his family were confronted by TMC workers during their movement to a polling area. He claimed that people on motorbikes shouted slogans at them and attempted to attack them after more individuals were brought in.

"They brought many more TMC goons with them and tried to attack us. Police didn't remove them (TMC workers) but asked us to go away from the spot. They are doing all this because they are scared of us," he said.

His wife, Ratna Debnath, is contesting the election from the Panihati Assembly seat on a BJP ticket.

BJP leader Amit Malviya claimed that Hindu voters in North 24 Parganas have accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of voter intimidation. He added that her need to move around with a security entourage on election day itself signals an acknowledgment of impending defeat.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee returned home after spending over three hours inspecting multiple TMC party offices and polling booths across the Bhabanipur constituency during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections.

In West Bengal’s ongoing Phase 2 voting, ISF candidate Nushad Siddiqui alleged that TMC supporters were intimidating voters. Reports indicate that Siddiqui was surrounded by a group of TMC workers in Bhangar, leading to a scuffle. Tensions escalated after TMC supporters reportedly shouted the slogan “Joy Bangla,” prompting confrontation between the two sides.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, reacting to the incident in Falta, alleged that tampering with elections and EVMs has been a “habit” of the Trinamool Congress. He made the remark after reports of disruptions and complaints during polling in the constituency.

Bengal Phase 2 picked up momentum by late morning, with voter turnout reaching around 39.9% across 142 constituencies by 11 am. As many as 57 seats had already crossed the 40% mark. In comparison, these constituencies had recorded a final turnout of 80.4% in the 2021 Assembly elections.

TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien on Wednesday challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign if the BJP loses the West Bengal Assembly elections to the Mamata Banerjee-led party.

In a video message, O’Brien claimed that Modi had projected himself as the BJP’s face across all 294 Assembly seats in the state and urged him to accept the challenge.

"You yourself announced that you are the candidate in all 294 seats in Bengal. Stop making tall claims and accept this challenge. On May 4, when Mamata Banerjee and the TMC win Bengal, have the courage to resign from the post of PM," the TMC MP said.

EVMs are now functioning properly and voting has resumed smoothly at the affected polling booths in Falta.

Inputs by Presenjit Saha

CPI(M) State Secretary Mohammad Salim and his wife, Dr Rosina Khatun, showed their inked fingers after casting their votes at a polling booth in Kolkata during the West Bengal Assembly elections.

"Voting is happening peacefully so far, apart for some small incidents. The voting percentage will increase this year because I can see people standing in long queues," he said after casting his vote. 

Kolkata Police has stepped up surveillance using drones to prevent any untoward incidents during polling in Bhangar. Senior officers, including Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Subhankar Sinha and Rupesh Kumar, along with other officials, are closely monitoring the situation to ensure law and order is maintained.

The West Bengal Election Commissioner said that any reports of button-tampering during voting will be verified and documented. "If reports of taping of any button come in, that should be verified and noted. If true, those booths will go for a repoll," says West Bengal Election Commissioner.

A clash was reported between BJP and TMC polling agents at Hooghly's Booth Nos. 147–148 at Ramchandrapur Adarsha Bidyabhaban in the Khanakul Assembly constituency as voting continued in the final phase.

CRPF Sub-Inspector Usha described it as a minor incident, saying polling is currently proceeding peacefully. She added that the CRPF’s all-women 240 Battalion has been deployed at the location.

Voter turnout in the second phase of the Assembly elections reached 39.97% till 11 am, indicating a steady rise in participation as polling progressed.

Tension briefly flared in Boro Chatra under the Galsi Assembly constituency after central security forces carried out a mild lathi charge to disperse a gathering on polling day.

According to sources, CRPF personnel along with local police have been maintaining strict vigil in Budbud and adjoining areas, patrolling to prevent crowding or any disruption during the election process. Security teams were also seen questioning groups assembling in large numbers to ensure compliance with poll guidelines.

Acting on specific inputs about a gathering inside a house in Boro Chatra, police and CRPF personnel reached the spot. When those present reportedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations, a mild lathi charge was used to disperse the crowd. The situation was soon brought under control, and the political affiliation of those involved is yet to be ascertained.

Inputs from Anil Giri 

TMC candidate from Bhangar, Saokat Molla, alleged that the NIA team’s presence was meant to intimidate them. He said that such agencies like the NIA, CBI or ED had never been seen on election day before and claimed this was the first time their deployment had been witnessed. Molla added that they would not be intimidated.

TMC workers staged protests against BJP candidate and RH Kar victim's mother Ratna Debnath’s visits to multiple polling booths, alleging that the move was intended to influence voters during the ongoing elections.

The BJP has demanded a repoll in Falta, with party leader Amit Malviya stating that voting should be conducted again in all affected booths where incidents were reported. He called for immediate action to ensure a free and fair polling process.

Leader of Opposition and BJP candidate from Bhabanipur and Nandigram, Suvendu Adhikari, said that voting was progressing smoothly and claimed that public awareness had increased. Referring to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he questioned her presence at certain locations and asked her to visit Ward 77 instead, alleging that her visits were aimed at intimidating Hindu voters.

TMC MP Saugata Roy cast his vote at a polling booth in Parivarikee English Academy during the West Bengal Assembly elections. He said polling was progressing peacefully and expressed confidence that the Trinamool Congress would perform strongly, calling the area a party stronghold.

Roy also alleged that the Election Commission appeared “confused” about the election process and claimed that people had reacted against the SIR exercise and alleged harassment.

TMC Bhabanipur candidate and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited several locations, including party offices within her constituency, as voting continued in the final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

BJP candidate from Entally constituency Priyanka Tibrewal casts her vote. After casting her vote, she said, "I appeal to the people that all of you come out and vote with an open heart. The people of West Bengal were not getting the right to vote; today that right has been obtained, so use this right openly... Here, goons are trying to stop people from voting, but still, people are coming out to vote. I request the Election Commission to enforce the rules that have been made..."

Alleging interference in the ongoing election process in North 24 Parganas in Bengal by the TMC, BJP leader and former MP Arjun Singh said, “We received information that in Mayapally (Noapara Assembly constituency), a dummy EVM was placed outside Booth Nos. 82–83, and voters were being told which button to press.”

Allegations of EVM malfunction and tampering have surfaced from Falta, with BJP candidate Debangshu Panda accusing the Trinamool Congress of deliberately disabling voting access to his candidature.

According to the candidate, the button on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) corresponding to his name and party symbol was allegedly jammed in several booths. He claimed that this was done intentionally so that voters would be unable to cast their votes in his favour.

Debangshu Panda further alleged that such actions were carried out to influence the polling process and prevent fair voting. The accusations have triggered political tension in the area, though no official confirmation on the claims has been reported so far.

Inputs by Presenjit saha

TMC MP Saugata Roy cast his vote at a polling booth in Parivarikee English Academy, Kolkata, stating that voting was peaceful, TMC would perform strongly in its stronghold, and alleging confusion within the Election Commission over the election process along with public anger against SIR-related harassment.

Tension gripped the area after an alleged attack on a BJP candidate in Basanti. The incident took place at Booth No. 76, where BJP candidate Bikash Sardar was reportedly assaulted during a booth visit.

According to sources, when the candidate went to inspect the polling booth, he was attacked by miscreants. His vehicle was vandalised during the incident. There was also an attempt to snatch the firearm of his security personnel.

Bikash Sardar, says, "Gundagiri by TMC is happening everywhere in the constituency. 200-250 TMC goons attacked my car with rods and bamboo sticks. They also attacked my driver."

It has been alleged that despite the presence of central forces, they did not intervene to control the situation or assist in the rescue. The incident has led to heightened tension in the area.

Amid voting, police were actively preventing gatherings even in the West Bengal Chief Minister’s neighbourhood. On Wednesday morning, in Patuapara Lane in Kalighat -- known as the lane where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence is located -- police reportedly issued a strict warning to her brother, Kartik Banerjee, according to local reports.

The area falls under Ward 73 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and is considered highly significant, as it also houses Abhishek Banerjee’s office, while the councillor post is held by Kartik Banerjee’s wife.

Ratna Debnath, BJP candidate from Panihati and mother of the RG Kar hospital rape victim, raised concerns over a suspected EVM malfunction after casting her vote.

“I feel there is some problem with the EVM button. It is taking time to respond. I will inform the officer. I thank those who came to vote early and request others to come in large numbers. I believe I will get justice,” she said.

According to Election Commission data, by 9 AM in the second phase across 142 constituencies, Monteshwar recorded the highest voter turnout at 22.53%, followed closely by Galsi at 22.49%. Maheshtala saw the lowest turnout at 14.90%, while Bhabanipur and Bhangar recorded 17.08% and 15.19% respectively.

BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee both arrived at the same polling booth in the constituency as voting continued. Adhikari questioned the presence of a large number of accompanying people with the Chief Minister, saying that while she has the right to visit polling booths as a candidate, she should not be accompanied by so many individuals. 

Suvendu Adhikari said, "Mamata Banerjee is a candidate today, and she has the right to visit polling booths, but why is she here with so many of her people? I am also visiting booths with only my bodyguards, she should do the same. She has brought so many people to spread fear."

A clash broke out between TMC and ISF supporters at Hooghly's Booth No. 147 after tensions escalated over allegations of appointment of fake polling agents. The situation led to chaos in the area before being brought under control.

West Bengal BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said that while booth-level arrangements are usually well managed, external arrangements had often been lacking in the past. However, he noted that this year both inside and outside arrangements are good, calling it a “victory of democracy.”

He added that people in West Bengal are witnessing such an election environment after 50 years.

Voting in Ward No. 72 in Bengal's Baranagar has been halted due to repeated EVM malfunctions, leading to frustration among voters. Locals alleged that the machine was replaced five times, but polling still did not begin.

“We have been standing in line since 7 am. They are saying the EVMs are malfunctioning. Now we are going back,” said a voter, Mithu Garai.

A scuffle broke out in the Bijpur Assembly constituency after an altercation involving BJP candidate Sudipta Basu and Kalyan Kar, councillor of Ward No. 5 of Kanchrapara Municipality, who was allegedly found standing within 100 metres of a polling booth. The situation escalated into a physical clash between the TMC councillor and an Independent candidate.

Police reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Two individuals have also been detained on allegations of being bogus voters.

Bengal Phase 2 began on a steady note on Wednesday, with an overall voter turnout of 18.4% recorded across 142 constituencies by 9 am. Early trends showed 27 constituencies already crossing the 20% mark. In the 2021 Assembly elections, these seats had recorded a final turnout of 80.4%.

On polling day in West Bengal, TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee launched a sharp attack, saying even INS warships and Rafale jets should be deployed if that is the approach being taken. He said, “INS warships and Rafale are yet to be deployed. Do that too. What you should do against Bangladesh and Pakistan, you are doing against Bengal.”

Banerjee also claimed that around 30 lakh voters were prevented from casting their votes. Reiterating his earlier prediction, he said TMC would return to power with a larger majority than in 2021. He added, “Trinamool is forming the government for the fourth time. I’ll meet you on the 4th.”

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was “roaming around with goonda elements” and attempting to intimidate voters. He further claimed that Hindu voters were being threatened during the polling process in Bhabanipur.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari arrived at Bhabanipur and was seen outside the same house-cum-polling location where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had entered earlier, as voting continued in the West Bengal Assembly elections. Suvendu’s visit came minutes after Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of interference in the electoral process.

The NIA team, along with state police and central forces, is closely monitoring several sensitive areas as voting progresses. The administration has been placed on high alert to ensure peaceful and fair polling. Voting is underway today for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

In the second phase of voting for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Election 2026, 18.39% voter turnout was recorded till 9 am, according to initial data.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, says, "Look how our worker was beaten up at night. Just look at this atrocity. What kind of hooliganism is going on? Voting does not happen like this. Voting happens peacefully. It is a festival of democracy. But they have completely ruined it. The intention is very clear that the BJP wants to forcefully rig the election. Our workers and people are ready to die, but they will not leave the place."

Around 5.30 am on polling day, a group of miscreants allegedly attacked BJP polling agent Mosharraf Mir at Booth No. 52 in Hatra Panchayat under the Chapra Assembly constituency, using iron rods and firearms. Police later rescued him and shifted him to Chapra Rural Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. Doctors have reportedly administered six stitches on his head.

ISKCON monks arrived in large numbers at polling booths across the city to cast their votes as voting continued in the West Bengal Assembly elections.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee, alleged that a large number of outside observers have been deployed and claimed that the BJP’s directions are being followed on the ground. She said party posters have been removed and questioned the conduct of the polls, asking whether elections are being conducted properly.

Banerjee added that votes should be cast by voters and not influenced by police or security forces, and alleged that newly deployed personnel were “doing whatever they want” and engaging in “terrorism.”

Chaos was reported outside a polling booth after several individuals were removed from the spot by CRPF personnel amid tension during voting. According to voters, polling began around 8.30 am after three failed attempts due to repeated EVM malfunctions. They alleged that some individuals tried to disrupt the voting process and were taken away by security forces.

A voter, Mayur Jain, said he had been waiting since 7 am and witnessed repeated delays due to technical glitches. “We were stopped from voting thrice because the machine was not working. A new machine was brought in, but it also faced issues. There was shouting inside and the gates were closed. Later, someone trying to create chaos was beaten and taken away, and voting finally started at 8:30 am,” he said, adding that CRPF personnel were present and the administration remained alert.

TMC Chairperson and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was present at Chakraberia Sarbojanin in Bhabanipur as West Bengal voted in the final phase of the Assembly elections. She is contesting from the Bhabanipur constituency.

BJP candidate from Nandigram and Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari, said it is too early to predict the outcome and urged voters to come out and participate in large numbers. He noted that early voter turnout appeared higher than in previous elections and expressed expectation of around 20% voting in the first two hours.

Adhikari also said he had sought blessings from Bajrang Bali and claimed that Mamata Banerjee’s defeat is “certain.” He further appealed to “Sanatani Hindus” to vote in large numbers, warning that this was their “last chance” if they did not want to become “refugees in their own land.”

BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty casts his vote at Subhokhon Community Hall in Bengal's Belgachia.

Trinamool Congress National General Secretary and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee showed his inked finger and flashed a victory sign after casting his vote at a polling booth in the city during the West Bengal Assembly elections.

"They said that in 2021. You go and ask them. You said it is going to be a clean sweep for BJP every time. But whenever the numbers have been revealed, or the electoral outcome came, it became the other way round. So, the onus is on you to go and ask the BJP leaders that every time they have predicted something, eventually it has turned in TMC's favour," Abhishek Banerjee said after casting his vote.

"Amit Shah said they will get 200 seats in 2021 but TMC crossed 200 seats. They said that they will get 30 seats in Bengal in Lok Sabha, TMC got 29 seats. This time they are saying 177, so by their track record they will go down below 50," he added. 

Chaos broke out in the Bali Assembly constituency after an EVM malfunction disrupted voting at a polling booth in Don Bosco Liluah Sahanlal School. The technical glitch halted the voting process, triggering anger among voters and escalating tensions at the site.

Central security forces deployed at the booth were called in to bring the situation under control. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, and a large police deployment remains in place.

Officials from the Howrah Police Commissionerate intervened promptly to restore order. Reports also indicated disturbances at booths numbered 152, 153, and 154.

The administration has assured that the situation is now under control and necessary steps are being taken to ensure smooth continuation of the voting process.

Inputs by Baidyanath Jha