Bengal Elections 2026 Voting Highlights: Massive Voter Rush In Bengal As Turnout Hits 90% By 5 PM
West Bengal Elections 2026 Phase 2 Voting Live Updates: West Bengal votes in Phase 2 across 142 seats today, with over 3.2 crore voters set to decide outcomes in a high-stakes electoral battle.
Background
West Bengal Elections 2026 Phase 2 Voting Live: The second and decisive phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 is set to take place on Wednesday, April 29, with...More
Mamata Banerjee alleged that central forces and observers were assaulting people during the ongoing polls, claiming women and children were also targeted. She said the actions began the previous night, with several party workers detained, and termed it a violation of court orders, adding she had “never seen such a democracy” before.
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West Bengal Assembly Elections have seen a record voter turnout till 5 PM of 90%.
West Bengal Assembly Elections have seen a record voter turnout till 5 PM of 90%.
Mamata Banerjee reached Bhabanipur to cast her vote and said that TMC is going to win the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.
During his visit to polling booths in Kolkata, BJP candidate from Nandigram and Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari, was offered a cold drink by a TMC polling agent. Adhikari remarked that she called him over and gave him water, noting the intense heat, and said he accepted and drank it. The brief exchange stood out amid the tense atmosphere of the final phase of polling.
West Bengal Chief Election Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said that repolling may be ordered in booths where EVMs were allegedly tampered with or covered with tape. He emphasized that such incidents, if verified, would lead to fresh voting to ensure fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
Paresh Ram Das, the Trinamool Congress candidate from Canning Paschim, alleged that polling agent Pradeep Das was beaten and forcibly removed from a booth by CRPF personnel after a complaint was lodged against him. He said the party will file a complaint against the officer involved and pursue legal action.
Asked whether the 2021 Nandigram contest could be repeated in Bhabanipur, BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari said he would reveal the margin after voting concludes at 6 p.m. His remark came as polling continued in the final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, drawing attention to the high‑stakes battle in Bhabanipur.
Polling in Bhangar and adjoining areas of South 24 Parganas was marked by tension during the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections. The Indian Secular Front (ISF) accused the Trinamool Congress of attempting to intimidate polling agents and influence voters, raising concerns about the atmosphere at several booths.
On reports of violence during the West Bengal Assembly elections, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said the unrest reflected public discontent with the state government. He alleged that the violence was “sponsored” by the ruling administration, drawing parallels with Bihar’s past, and claimed that similar conditions now exist in Bengal under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.
Tension broke out at Booth Number 113 in the Canning Assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas during the final phase of polling in West Bengal.
By 1 p.m., more than 61 percent of West Bengal’s 3.21 crore electors had cast their votes in the second and final phase of polling across 142 Assembly constituencies, according to the Election Commission. The day saw sporadic tensions, including brief unrest in Bhabanipur where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari exchanged sharp remarks after arriving at the same booth area.
After casting her vote in the Khanakul constituency, BJP leader Locket Chatterjee declared that the Trinamool Congress “will be wiped out from Bengal.”
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and his wife, Dona Ganguly, exercised their franchise at a polling booth in South 24 Parganas during the ongoing Assembly elections.
TMC MP from Arambagh, Mitali Bag, arrived to cast her vote in Hooghly while seated in a wheelchair. She was injured during a clash between TMC and BJP workers earlier this week but still came to the polling booth to participate in the final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Assembly poll results, to be declared on May 4, will reinforce the vision of a developed India. He added that the outcome will inject fresh momentum into the country’s pace of development, underscoring his government’s focus on growth and progress.
ISF president Naushad Siddiqui, speaking from Bhangar in South 24 Parganas, urged voters to ensure a “chor‑mukt” Bengal, free from malpractice. He noted that polling was taking place peacefully after many years and encouraged citizens to cast their votes for any candidate of their choice, but to do so calmly and without conflict.
Responding to allegations of paper being placed on EVMs, BJP candidate from Nandigram and Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari, said the practice was not new and insisted that a repoll should be conducted in affected booths. His remarks add to the ongoing debate over polling irregularities during the West Bengal Assembly elections.
BJP candidate from Shibpur, Rudranil Ghosh, alleged irregularities in the voter list, claiming that names of people who died decades ago were not deleted. He accused Mamata Banerjee’s administration of deliberately misleading the public and undermining the Election Commission to protect her position. Ghosh further said that government officials and police officers face threats and harassment from the ruling Trinamool Congress if they speak against its alleged illegal activities, warning that even ordinary citizens are intimidated into silence.
The Election Commission announced that West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 39.97 percent by 11 a.m. in the second phase of polling across 142 Assembly constituencies.
West Bengal Election Commissioner stated that any reports of polling booth irregularities, such as taping of EVM buttons, must be verified and documented. If confirmed, those booths will be directed to hold a repoll. The announcement comes as part of measures to ensure transparency and fairness during the ongoing Assembly elections.
A clash reportedly broke out between BJP and TMC polling agents at Booth Nos. 147–148 in Ramchandrapur Adarsha Bidyabhaban, Khanakul Assembly constituency, during the final phase of the West Bengal elections. CRPF Sub‑Inspector Usha described it as a minor incident, adding that voting was continuing peacefully. She noted that CRPF’s all‑women 240 Battalion has been deployed at the site to ensure security.
Kolkata Police stepped up surveillance in Bhangar during the final phase of polling, deploying drones to prevent any untoward incidents. Senior officers, including Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Subhankar Sinha and Rupesh Kumar, along with other officials, closely monitored the situation to maintain law and order in the constituency.
BJP candidate from the Basanti Assembly constituency, Bikash Sardar, claimed that his car was attacked by TMC workers during polling. He alleged that around 200–250 individuals armed with rods and bamboo sticks assaulted his vehicle and also attacked his driver. Sardar described the incident as widespread “gundagiri” by TMC across the constituency.
As polling continued in the final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee, visited several locations in her constituency, including party offices. Her presence underscored the TMC’s focus on mobilizing support and monitoring the voting process in Bhabanipur.
Leader of the Opposition and BJP candidate from Bhabanipur and Nandigram, Suvendu Adhikari, remarked that voting was proceeding smoothly and claimed “the public has woken up.” He alleged that Mamata Banerjee was attempting to intimidate Hindu voters, urging her to go to Ward 77 instead of visiting other areas.
As the second phase of polling began in West Bengal, Leader of the Opposition and BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari asserted that all “Hindus” were voting for the BJP. His remarks came amid heightened political tensions, adding to the sharp exchanges between the ruling TMC and the opposition during the ongoing Assembly elections.
Polling was disrupted in Ward No. 72 of Baranagar after repeated malfunctions in the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). Voters alleged that the machine had been replaced five times, yet the voting process had not begun. Frustrated by the delay, many left the booth. “We are standing in line since 7 a.m. They are saying that the EVMs are malfunctioning. Now, we are going back,” said voter Mithu Garai.
In Bhangar, TMC candidate Saokat Molla alleged police excesses during Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Meanwhile, ISF MLA Naushad accused the ruling party of intimidating voters in the constituency. The claims highlight ongoing tensions between political rivals as polling continues.
TMC Rajya Sabha Leader Derek O’Brien questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would step down if Mamata Banerjee wins the West Bengal Assembly elections. His remarks came amid heightened political sparring during Phase 2 of polling, adding to the sharp exchanges between the BJP and TMC leadership.
The Election Commission reported a voter turnout of 18.39 percent across constituencies in West Bengal by 9 a.m. during the second phase of polling for the Assembly Elections 2026. Voting began earlier in the morning and is expected to continue throughout the day as people head to the booths.
Following reports that a BJP booth agent was allegedly assaulted by TMC workers in the Nadia‑Chapra Assembly constituency, BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar condemned the incident. He claimed that Chapra, being a minority‑dominated area, often witnesses such “gundagardi” with the backing of TMC, which he alleged does not want BJP agents present. Sarkar demanded strict action in response to the attack.
West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee, condemned alleged violence against her party workers, calling it “atrocity” and “hooliganism.” She said voting should be peaceful as it is a festival of democracy, but accused the BJP of attempting to rig the election through force. Banerjee asserted that her party workers and supporters would not back down, even if it meant risking their lives, and vowed they would remain at the polling stations.
West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee, alleged that election observers were acting in line with BJP directives. Speaking in Kolkata, she claimed that many observers had been brought in from outside and accused them of removing TMC posters and intimidating voters. Banerjee insisted that votes would be decided by the people, not by police or security forces, and described the actions of these observers as creating fear and “terrorism.”
At around 5:30 a.m. today, BJP polling agent Mosharraf Mir was allegedly assaulted by a group of miscreants at Booth No. 52 in Hatra Panchayat, Chapra Assembly constituency, Nadia. The attackers reportedly used iron rods and firearms during the incident. Chapra police later rescued Mir and admitted him to Chapra Rural Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. He has received six stitches on his head following the attack.
Actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty exercised his franchise at Booth No. 248 in the Kashipur‑Belgachhia Assembly constituency during the final phase of the West Bengal elections. His participation added to the high‑profile voter turnout as polling entered its concluding stage.
In a press release on April 29, 2026, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused police observers of siding with the BJP, saying they were “dancing to the tunes” of the party. She alleged that the Election Commission was harassing her party by deploying outside observers who were spreading fear among voters. Banerjee also claimed that TMC posters had been removed in Chakraberia and insisted that it was ultimately the people, not the police or security forces, who would decide the outcome at the ballot box.
After casting his vote at Mitra Institute in Bhabanipur, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee criticized election observers, alleging that instead of fulfilling their role as the “eyes and ears” of the Election Commission, they were intimidating people. He said observers should be submitting reports to the SP and the Commission, but were instead acting in ways that threatened voters.
Reports of violence and vandalism emerged from several parts of West Bengal during the early hours of polling in the second phase of the Assembly Elections on Wednesday. According to police, incidents were recorded in Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala, and Bhangar, raising concerns about security as voting got underway.
Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition and BJP candidate contesting from both Bhabanipur and Nandigram, visited a temple in Kolkata to offer prayers ahead of voting.
Saokat Molla, the Trinamool Congress candidate from Bhangar, has alleged that clashes broke out in the area last night. He claimed several party workers were injured and hospitalised following the violence, and accused the police of failing to act.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, encouraging voters to participate in large numbers during Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. He emphasized the importance of strengthening democracy through active participation and called on women and young voters in particular to come out and exercise their franchise.
Ratna Debnath, BJP candidate from Panihati and mother of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim, raised concerns about the electronic voting machine at her polling booth. She remarked that the button seemed difficult to press and said she would alert the officer in charge. Debnath thanked early voters for turning out and urged others to participate, expressing confidence that justice would prevail.
A BJP polling agent has alleged that he was attacked at Booth No. 53 in Chapra, Nadia district. He accused workers of the Trinamool Congress of being behind the incident, adding to tensions during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly Elections.
Bhabanipur is among the key constituencies voting today, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is pitted against Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. Adhikari, who currently represents Nandigram as a BJP MLA, is contesting from both Bhabanipur and his home seat, making this one of the most closely watched battles of the West Bengal Assembly Elections.
Sekharranjan Debnath, father of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim, grew emotional while speaking about casting his ballot in the West Bengal Assembly Elections. He expressed sorrow that seeking justice for his daughter had come to this, but voiced determination, saying they would fight and win alongside the people. His wife, Ratna Debnath, is contesting the Panihati seat as a BJP candidate.
Ratna Debnath, BJP’s candidate from the Panihati constituency and mother of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim, exercised her franchise at a local polling station.
The voting has begun in all 142 constituencies across seven districts in West Bengal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to vote in record numbers as polling opened for the second phase of the West Bengal elections 2026.
In a social media post, Modi said: "Urging all those voting today to do so in record numbers and make our democracy more vibrant as well as participative. It is important that the women and youth of West Bengal, in particular, turnout in large numbers and exercise their franchise."
A total of 1,448 candidates are in fray for the second phase of the West Bengal elections. Bhangar in South 24 Parganas saw the most nominations with 19 candidates, while Golaghat in Hooghly has the lowest count of five.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from TMC and Leader of Opposition in the Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari from BJP are in direct contest from the Bhabanipur seat. State ministers Sujit Bose, Firhad Hakim, Jyoti Priya Mallick, and Bratya Basu are contesting from Bidhannagar, Kolkata Port, Habra, and Dum Dum, respectively.
The voting for the second phase of the West Bengal Elections 2026 will begin shortly across 142 assembly segments in seven districts. Polling will take place at 41,001 polling stations, all covered by webcasting. A total of 2,321 companies of central forces have been deployed to ensure smooth voting process.