West Bengal Election 2026 Phase 2 Voting: Over 91% Polling Recorded Until 7 p.m

Mock polling is underway at a booth at Mitra School in Bhawanipur ahead of Phase 2 voting. Polling across 142 constituencies will be held later today, reported PTI.

BJP candidate from Noapara, Arjun Singh, said, “People contest elections with the intention to win,” and claimed that the election in West Bengal is witnessing a “wave of change,” expressing confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party will win.

He said that if violence occurs, the responsibility lies with the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, and that the Election Commission must act firmly, adding it should take action “no matter who the troublemakers are,” and be prepared to “respond in the same language if needed,” with “no compromise” from its side.

-PTI

Voters were seen queuing up outside polling centres in Hingalganj and Minakhan as voting for the second phase of the Assembly elections began., according to PTI.

BJP candidate from Bhatpara, Pawan Singh, said, “The expectation is 100 per cent, and it’s not just my expectation. Other candidates in my constituency are also feeling more hopeful this time. If our voters become more aware and go out to vote, it will be much better, because many people treat voting day like a holiday and don’t go to vote. Voting is both a right and a responsibility for everyone. If you want change, you must vote.”

He said the security situation has generally remained poor, but added, “However, after the recent attack on us, where a member of the central forces was shot, the administration now appears to be more strict.” He said many of those involved are either absconding or have been arrested, adding, “Our focus is to spread awareness among people... please go out and cast your vote.”

Long queues of voters are seen at the DDC Girls High School, Kaywa, Purba Bardhaman, polling booth. The second phase of voting for the assembly election is currently underway.

TMC leader Jayprakash Majumdar expressed total certainty regarding the election outcome today. He claims the Trinamool Congress is headed for a very comfortable victory.

"When the result will come out on May 4, we are 100 per cent confident... Mamata Banerjee will chief minister for the fourth time in Bengal," Majumdar stated, reported PTI.

The Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) recently shared an update regarding the ongoing polls. The ECI posted, "That smile says it all A young elector after casting his vote at a PS in 161 Ballygunge AC, under DEO Kolkata South."

-PTI

Madhuparna Thakur, the TMC candidate from Bagdha seat, says, "Polling is underway peacefully. There is no problem." She noted that the state police is doing good service to ensure smooth polling.

Thakur also issued a call to action for the youth. "I would urge young voters to come out and vote as each vote is important. Youngsters must come out to vote to elect their government," she stated, according to PTI.

A BJP agent alleges an attack and blames TMC workers for the incident as the assembly election continues.

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has officially cast her vote. The parliamentarian participated in the process as polling continues across the district, reported PTI.

After casting her vote, TMC MP Mahua Moitra says, “I’m very happy to be able to cast my vote early in the morning." She noted that they intend to continue what was started in the first phase.

Describing the current atmosphere, Moitra stated, "What we saw in the first phase, and what we are likely to see today, is something I would describe as ‘revenge voting’." She added that while voting is usually a celebration of democracy, "this time it feels like a form of military rule, as you can see." Moitra concluded by stating they expect to see strong voter turnout throughout the day, noting they have never seen an election like this before.

-PTI

Polling is currently underway for 142 constituencies in the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections. At La Martiniere For Boys School in Kolkata, a large number of voters, including senior citizens, have come out to cast their ballots.

The process is being conducted amid unprecedented security arrangements. This high-stakes contest is expected to decide whether the ruling TMC retains its dominance over the southern districts or if the BJP can force open the gates of power in the state.

-PTI

Security has been tightened at the Mitra Institute polling booth in Bhawanipur. TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee is scheduled to cast his vote at this location today.

BJP leader and veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty has arrived at the Subhokhon Community Hall in Belgachia. He is present at the polling station to cast his ballot as voting continues in the second phase of the assembly election, according to PTI.

BJP candidate Rupa Ganguly has cast her vote in Sonarpur Dakshin. She reported, "There was some problem in the begining but that has been resolved now."

Ganguly highlighted the high voter enthusiasm, noting that people have been queuing since 6:30 AM. Despite the initial setbacks, she confirmed the current situation is stable, stating, "Voting is going on well."

-PTI

TMC’s Saokat Molla alleges clashes in Bhangar. He claims party workers were hospitalised after last night's violence and blames the police for the situation, PTI reported.

BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari has left Kolkata for Bhabanipur as polling for the final phase gets underway. Adhikari is challenging Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her home bastion today, reported PTI.

Priests from the ISKCON Temple arrived at La Martiniere School today to cast their ballots. ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson Radharamn Das highlighted the spiritual significance of the day, stating, “Actually, Krishna devotees remember the Lord before doing any task... Today is also the festival of elections, which is very important.”

Das explained that the group maintained their daily spiritual routine before heading to the booths. “As Krishna devotees always perform kirtan, we came here chanting, and now we will all cast our votes," he added, emphasising the importance of participating in the democratic process.

-PTI

BJP's Dilip Ghosh has compared West Bengal unfavorably to Kashmir. "Bengal’s condition is worse than Kashmir," he said, alleging that while Kashmir is peaceful, Bengal faces "multiple violent incidents."

-PTI

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee has cast his vote at the Mitra Institute in Bhawanipur.

A clash reportedly broke out in Bally, Howrah, following an EVM technical glitch. CRPF personnel have detained two individuals in connection with the unrest.

Reports of violence and vandalism have emerged from multiple areas during the early hours of polling. According to the police, these incidents occurred in Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala, and Bhangar, according to PTI.

After casting his vote at the Mitra Institute in Bhawanipur, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee targeted the conduct of election officials. “The way police observers have been behaving is concerning. The Constitution, the CrPC, the BNS, or any Election Commission guideline does not give them the mandate to conduct raids,” Banerjee said.

He accused the observers of flouting High Court, Supreme Court, and Election Commission guidelines to "exceed their brief and mandate," adding, “They appear to be acting at the behest of their political masters sitting in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. However, none of these tactics will work.” He also noted that while mock polls have concluded, it is too early to jump to conclusions about the results, reported PTI.

BJP leader and veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty has cast his vote at the Subhokhon Community Hall in Belgachia.

TMC MP Mamata Bala Thakur has cast her vote in Thakurnagar. Following her exit from the booth, she stated that the party intends to file a formal complaint with the Election Commission regarding reported EVM glitches in the area.

After voting at Subhokhon Community Hall in Belgachia, BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty stated he did not seek any "extra facility" for the process. "I can guarantee that the voting will be conducted properly, and I thank the Election Commission for making this possible," he said, expressing confidence that the election will go well.

BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari stated, "It is too soon to predict anything. I just want to ask everyone to come out and vote." He noted that turnout appears higher than in previous years, expecting "around 20% voting in the first two hours."

Adhikari added, "I have just taken blessings from Bajrang Bali and Mamata Banerjee's defeat is certain... I especially want to ask Sanatani Hindus to come out in large numbers and vote if they do not want to become refugees in their own land. This is your last chance..."

Election Commission-appointed IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre Ajay Pal Sharma conducts inspection of polling booth in South 24 Parganas as voting for second phase underway, according to PTI.

ITBP assists elderly voters during West Bengal assembly poll second phase at Apeejay School, Kolkata.

SDPO Dipayan Bhattacharya inspected polling booths in Tehatta. "Tight security arrangements have been made and everything is peaceful so far. No reports of any problems have been received so far," he stated, reported PTI.

An NIA team has arrived in Bhangar, West Bengal, to take over investigations into recent blast and bomb recovery cases in the district. While the agency has initiated its probe, the accused in these cases remain at large.

CM Mamata Banerjee, speaking in Kolkata, expressed concerns over the voting process, stating, “We want that the voting procedures are carried out peacefully. However, many officials and observers have been brought in who don't understand Bengal. There are some observers who are targeting TMC agents.”

Banerjee further alleged a late-night incident involving central forces: “Yesterday night CRPF, without police, attacked the house of the councillor of 70 number ward. He was not home at the time, only his wife and child was there, they still vandalised his house.”

-PTI

Amid the second and final phase of polling on Wednesday, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien took a sharp swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, daring him to resign from the top post if the ruling TMC wins the State.

In a post on X, Mr. O’Brien said, “Narendra, you had announced that you are the candidate for all 294 seats in Bengal. Drop the big talk. Accept this challenge.” He further wrote, “On 4 May, when Mamata Banerjee and TMC win Bengal, RESIGN FROM THE PRIME MINISTER’S POST. Got the guts?”

The challenge comes as West Bengal records high voter turnout, with results scheduled to be declared on May 4.

-ANI

According to the Election Commission, West Bengal has recorded a voter turnout of 18.39% until 9:00 AM in the second phase of polling. This phase covers 142 assembly seats across the state.

-PTI

Tensions rose at a polling booth in Bhabanipur when both CM Mamata Banerjee and BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari arrived at the same location.

Commenting on the encounter, Suvendu Adhikari stated: "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."

-PTI

A clash broke out between TMC and ISF supporters at Booth No. 147 in Ramchandrapur, under the Rajhati-1 Panchayat in Khanakul, Hooghly District. The incident occurred following allegations regarding the appointment of fake polling agents.

-PTI

Voting has been halted in Ward Number 72 of Baranagar due to a recurring malfunction in the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).

Angry voters at the scene allege that the machine has been changed five times, yet the voting process has failed to commence. Expressing his frustration, a voter named Mithu Garai said, “We are standing in line since 7 am. They are saying that the EVMs are malfunctioning. Now, we are going back.”

-PTI

BJP state chief Samik Bhattacharya shared his assessment of the polling environment, contrasting it with previous years.

He stated: "The arrangements are always done well inside the booths but outside arrangements are not always good. However, this year arrangements both inside and outside is good. This is the victory of democracy. The people of West Bengal are witnessing this kind of election after 50 years."

-PTI

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited several polling booths in her Bhabanipur assembly constituency where voting is underway. During the visit, she alleged that central forces and election observers were acting at the behest of the BJP.

-PTI

BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari, who is contesting from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur, dismissed CM Mamata Banerjee’s allegations against central forces, attributing them to fear.

"Mamata Banerjee is scared, nothing else. Her police has been replaced by CAPF that is why she is scared," Adhikari said. He added that the Election Commission (EC) is responsible for the deployment, "The Election Commission has deployed the CAPF here so if she has any kind of problem, she should approach the Election Commission."

Adhikari concluded with a prediction for the Bhabanipur seat, "I will step up wherever needed. This time no one will be spared. People should be allowed to vote... She will lose Bhabanipur with a margin of atleast 30000 votes."

-PTI

Voters in North 24 Parganas have leveled serious allegations against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of intimidation.

One voter stated: "She thinks that she has lost in the elections which is why she has brought goons in her car. One of the persons came out of her car and threatened us."

-PTI

As voters turn out in steady numbers in Kolkata and its suburbs across communities in the second phase of polling, the city remains under the strict watch of central forces. People vote in the hope of solutions to long-standing civic issues, social gaps and unaddressed problems.

Outlook's Sandipan Chatterjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday accused the BJP of attempting to "rig" the state assembly elections, alleging that central forces and election observers were acting at the saffron party’s behest.

The BJP rejected the charge, accusing her of "trying to create confusion sensing public anger against the TMC".

-PTI

Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Arjun Singh in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, said that "100 metres from the polling booth, a camp has been set up and a fake EVM has been placed. People are being told which button to press. They cannot campaign today... I am filing a complaint with the Election Commission. There is no point in complaining to the police... "

As Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tours across her constituency Bhabanipur and adjacent constituencies on polling day, voters throng the streets to catch a glimpse of the TMC supremo.

39.97 per cent turnout seen in West Bengal till 11 am in Phase II of polling in 142 assembly seats, as per Election Commission.

State Chief Election Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal has stated that 100 per cent monitoring is being carried out across the state. He noted that residents of high-rise buildings are participating in the process and that the deployment of CAPF is ensuring arrangements are fully in place.

"Voting is taking place completely peacefully, and no complaints are being reported from anywhere," Agarwal said.

Central Forces were required to intervene to disperse a crowd that had gathered near the polling station, PTI reported.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has officially cast his vote at the Barisha Sashibhushan Jankalyam Vidyapith polling booth in Behala.

Ganguly emphasised the importance of the turnout figures, "I have cast my vote... let's see what the voting percentage will be. In the previous phase it was over 90 per cent. We will know by evening."

-PTI

PM Narendra Modi stated that the assembly poll results on May 4 will strengthen the resolve of developed India. He added, "Assembly poll results will infuse new energy in the pace of development of country."

-PTI

Arambagh TMC MP Mitali Bag has arrived in Hooghly to cast her vote. Bag has arrived on a wheelchair after being injured during a clash between TMC and BJP supporters on Monday.

-PTI

TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh cast her vote at Khastagir Primary School in South Kolkata.

Speaking after voting, she said, “Our booth falls under a police station area and has always remained peaceful. Voting in South Kolkata, and across Kolkata, is generally peaceful, so there are usually no problems."

"If 10 people are voting, there are about 20 police personnel standing in front of them. This creates fear among ordinary people," she added.

She questioned the heavy deployment, asking, “If you are so confident that Bengal is yours, then why create such a war-like situation?"

"Bengal is also a part of India where elections are being held, just like in other places. But the difference here clearly reflects your desperation and frustration," she said.

-PTI

BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari from Nandigram and Bhabanipur alleged an attack by TMC workers while at the Jai Hind Bhavan polling booth in Bhabanipur.

He said, “They are not voters, they are outsiders. They tried to attack me. Send CRPF here. I am not going anywhere till force is sent here. They are Mamata's goons.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said people are voting fearlessly in West Bengal this time.

He said voters are casting their vote in West Bengal this time in a "fearless atmosphere", which was unimaginable in the past six or seven decades, according to PTI.

Police resorted to lathi charge at Jai Hind Bhavan polling booth in Bhabanipur after BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari alleged an attack by TMC workers.

-PTI

Bengali actor Prosenjit Chatterjee has cast his vote, praising the administrative setup at his polling station. Chatterjee noted that "the whole process is being followed properly, and the arrangements are very good."

The actor shared a personal milestone regarding the current elections, stating he is doubly happy this year because his son is a first-time voter. Chatterjee added, "I am happy and proud that he exercised his rights."

-PTI

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta has called on the people of West Bengal to vote for the state's development, invoking Bengal's historical role in national movements. Gupta noted that "whenever there has been talk of revolution for the country or a new wave of energy has emerged, it has come from Bengal."

Expressing confidence in the electorate, the Chief Minister stated that when Bengal itself is in need today, "it will surely stand up for itself." She added, "I am confident that every Bengali brother and sister will use their vote wisely for the development of the state."

Over 61 per cent of the 3.21 crore electors exercised their franchise till 1 pm in the second and final phase of polling in West Bengal amid attacks on a few candidates.

Tension gripped the Bhabanipur seat briefly as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and BJP's Suvendu Adhikari took swipes at one another in the same booth area, reported PTI.

BJP candidate from Shibpur assembly constituency, Rudranil Ghosh cast his vote in Howrah.

He said, "... There was a time when I used to vote for other candidates. Now, all these people here are not my voters but my neighbours. I belong to this constituency. Voting for myself has been the most exciting experience of my life. People of Shibpur have shown so much faith in me that I have nothing but gratitude towards them..."

Rudranil Ghosh expressed deep gratitude towards the people of Shibpur after casting his vote during the second phase of West Bengal elections.

-PTI

Tension erupted at a polling booth in Bhabanipur after BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari entered the premises and people present raised slogans of “Joy Bangla.”

Speaking to reporters, Adhikari said, “When some Bangladeshi-origin Muslims saw me, they started raising slogans, as their names were not on the voter list. They were shouting ‘Joy Bangla’. I allowed them to speak for about 15 minutes, asking them to continue and let it be recorded on camera. Because of this, around 10,000 votes have shifted in my favour...”

-PTI

Tension gripped South 24 Parganas' Bhangar and its adjoining areas during the second phase of polling in West Bengal on Wednesday. The Indian Secular Front (ISF) has accused the TMC of trying to intimidate polling agents and influence voters.

The second phase of voting in West Bengal was progressing peacefully amid elaborate security arrangements, the State’s Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said exuding confidence that the turnout might surpass the first phase figures.

More than 60% of the 3.21 crore electors voted till 1 p.m. in the second phase of polling in West Bengal amid sporadic violence and attacks on candidates.

Mr. Agarwal said extensive security deployment and close monitoring were ensuring a smooth voting process across the State.

- PTI

On the polling for the second phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, BJP leader Tarun Chugh said, "The people of West Bengal are voting for Narendra Modi in favour of the development, security, and transparency of the double-engine government. The people are united today against dynasty politics, jihadist mentality, and corruption, and certainly, the people's response is bye-bye Mamata, now they want a double-engine government of the BJP under the leadership of Narendra Modi."

West Bengal minister and TMC candidate from Kolkata Port assembly constituency, Firhad Hakim said, "Every time, I, along with my family, go to cast my vote. I also take my granddaughter along so that the children understand that our Constitution gives us the right to vote."

"I got a call at 1 am warning me that it would be my responsibility if anything went wrong in this area. It was a kind of a threat."

"It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to see that unnecessary delay (in voting) does not happen. The EC is paid for this from our taxes. Supporting BJP is not the task of the Election Commission. Ensuring free and fair elections is the duty of the Election Commission, and I think they have failed in it to some extent."

"Voters are scared of SIR and other new things being brought by the Election Commission. This is why the voters are coming out to vote to reinforce the message that they are Indians and they should be allowed to vote. This is the present situation of India now.

Chaos erupted outside a polling booth in Bhabanipur during polling, as police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse clashing supporters of the TMC and the BJP.

- The Hindu

BJP’s Panihati candidate Ratna Debnath, also the mother of RG Kar rape-murder victim, faced protests by TMC workers when she visited a booth in the Assembly constituency in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district where polling was underway.

She also accused the ruling party activists of preventing her from leaving the booth premises, following an altercation with them over an allegation of influencing voters.

“When I was coming out of the booth, I noticed an elderly woman who looked infirm and had difficulty walking. I requested those present there to help the person cast her vote. But as I stepped out, TMC activists accused me of influencing the voter and prevented me from leaving the spot,” she told reporters.

Central security force jawans helped her leave the place.

She urged the central forces to take action against those who are creating trouble and intimidating voters. An EC official said the poll panel has sought a report into the alleged incident.

- PTI

TMC candidate from Bhabanipur and chief minister Mamata Banerjee, shows the victory sign as she arrives at the polling station in Kolkata to cast her vote.

West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal said repolling is likely to be announced in booths where EVMs would be found tampered with.

The CEO said that a repoll will be ordered only after the authorities get reports from the district election officer or election observers on allegations of tampering with EVMs using tapes or blot of ink.

Mr. Agarwal’s comment came following allegations by the BJP that the party’s symbols on EVMs were covered with tapes or ink in certain booths during the second and final phase of polling, which is underway.

-PTI

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, after casting her vote, alleges that “CRPF personnel and central observers are beating people”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that the central forces, deployed for Assembly polls, were working in favour of the BJP and claimed that the ongoing State elections were not being conducted in a free and fair manner.

After casting her vote at Mitra Institution school in her Bhabanipur constituency, Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the central forces, alleging that her party workers and polling agents were being intimidated and driven out of booths. “The atrocities by the central forces are unprecedented. What is happening is not at all free and fair polls,” she said.

The TMC supremo alleged that central forces, instead of performing their constitutional duty, were being used for partisan political purposes.

“Central forces are supposed to guard the country’s borders, but instead they are working for a particular party,” she said, without naming the BJP.

-PTI

West Bengal Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar said, “Election Commission is a complete failure. It is working in a one-sided manner with the central and state forces. Voters are having to wait in long queues, senior citizens are not being taken care of…BJP and TMC project rivalry, but they are not at all fighting each other…both parties have taken advantage of the Election Commission. I believe, after May 4, Bengal will see a new chapter, Congress will form the government…”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari landed in the same polling booth area in Bhabanipur’s Chakraberia on Wednesday morning (April 29, 2026), and took swipes at one another without any direct interaction, underlining the prestige battle unfolding in the CM’s political bastion.

West Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal arrives at a polling station in Kolkata to cast his vote.

Constituencies voting in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly polls recorded 89.99% voter turnout until 5 p.m., as per the ECI. 

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Purba Bardhaman records 92.46%, followed by Hooghly at 90.34%, and Howrah at 89.44% at 5 p.m.

Around 700 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will continue to remain deployed across West Bengal after the completion of polling, an Election Commission official said.

The continued presence of the central forces is aimed at maintaining peace and ensuring that no untoward incidents take place in the post-poll period, he said.

“As per the EC’s deployment plan issued on March 19, after completion of poll today, 700 companies of CAPF shall continue to remain deployed in the state for security arrangements and law and order duties, till further orders,” he said.

“The forces will be stationed in sensitive areas and will assist the state administration in maintaining normalcy,” he added.

- PTI

Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee alleged that an elderly voter died after being assaulted by central forces in Howrah district during polling for the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections.

In a strongly-worded post on X, Mr. Banerjee accused the central forces deployed in the state of acting as the BJP’s “private army” and terrorising voters.

Referring to the incident in Udaynarayanpur, he claimed that the elderly man had gone to cast his vote with his son and collapsed after central forces allegedly pushed and assaulted them while the son was trying to help him enter the booth.

“The old man collapsed, was rushed to Amta Hospital and declared dead on arrival,” Mr. Banerjee wrote.

- PTI

West Bengal phase 2 polling concluded. The prediction numbers have started coming out.

As per the Election Commission of India, around 91.41% of polling was recorded across the 142 constituencies in West Bengal’s second phase of Assembly elections.