West Bengal Votes in Final and Crucial Phase

West Bengal headed into the most important day of the 2026 Assembly elections as polling started for the second and final phase on Wednesday morning. The state has 294 total assembly seats, and this phase alone covers 142 seats, making it politically decisive. Counting of votes for all seats is scheduled for May 4, 2026.

Polling began at 7 AM and is expected to continue till evening. Early visuals from polling stations showed long queues of voters, including women, senior citizens, and first-time voters.

By 11 AM, voter turnout had already crossed 39.97%, indicating strong participation.

Why Phase 2 Is So Important

This phase includes urban, suburban, and rural belts where all major parties have invested massive campaign energy. It covers the ruling TMC’s traditional strongholds and also areas where BJP has expanded rapidly in recent years.

The biggest question of this election is whether TMC can retain power after 15 years in office or whether BJP can create history by taking control of one of India’s most politically important states.

Mamata Banerjee in Focus

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting from the high-profile Bhabanipur constituency, considered one of the most symbolic seats in Bengal politics.

Bhabanipur has become the centre of national attention because BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari is challenging her in a dramatic political rematch after their famous Nandigram battle in 2021.

Mamata Banerjee visited multiple areas in her constituency during polling hours and monitored booth-level developments.

Massive Security Deployment

The Election Commission deployed one of the biggest security setups ever seen in Bengal elections to ensure peaceful voting.

Reports indicate presence of:

  • 2.3 lakh CAPF personnel
  • 38,000+ state police officers
  • Hundreds of observers
  • Drone monitoring in sensitive zones
  • Tight surveillance in Bhangar, Falta, Hooghly, and Kolkata regions

This comes after past elections in Bengal witnessed violence and booth-level tensions.

Reports of Clashes and EVM Complaints

Despite heavy security, scattered incidents were reported during voting day.

Some of the key complaints included:

  • BJP alleging EVM malfunction in Falta
  • Minor clashes between party agents in Hooghly
  • Alleged booth vandalism
  • Claims of intimidation from rival parties

Election officials said complaints are being verified and repoll may be ordered if necessary.

Key Issues Driving Voters

This election has revolved around several major issues:

1. Anti-Incumbency

After 15 years of TMC rule, opposition parties are campaigning on change.

2. Welfare Politics

TMC highlighted women-focused and welfare schemes.

3. Corruption Allegations

Opposition repeatedly attacked the state government over scams and governance issues.

4. Identity and Citizenship Politics

BJP focused on border security, citizenship, and law & order.

5. Women and Youth Vote

Both major parties heavily targeted women and first-time voters.

PM Modi’s Appeal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to voters to come out in record numbers and participate in democracy during the final phase of Bengal polling.

What Happens Next?

Once polling concludes, attention will shift to exit polls expected later in the evening. Final counting of votes for West Bengal and other poll-bound states will happen on May 4, 2026.

Political analysts believe results could reshape national politics heading into future elections.

Conclusion

West Bengal’s Phase 2 voting is more than a state election—it is a prestige battle between Mamata Banerjee and Bharatiya Janata Party. With 142 seats at stake and massive turnout underway, Bengal voters are deciding the next political direction of the state.

All eyes are now on May 4, when the verdict will be announced.

Read More:- Mati Handed to Infiltrators’: PM Modi Attacks TMC, Mamata Says BJP Is Scared