Voter turnout over 78% at 3pm
Update at 4.30pm: Around 78.68% voter turnout is reported till 3pm.
TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh levels ‘State of War’ Allegations
Update at 3.30pm:
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“State of War” Allegations: Speaking to IANS, TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh took a sharp jibe at the Election Commission, stating, “Only the Navy and Air Force are left to enter Bengal. It is like a state of war.” She alleged that observers from BJP-ruled states like Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh are being used to “intimidate” local voters.
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Clashes in Bhabanipur: Chaos erupted outside a polling booth in Bhabanipur—the constituency where Mamata Banerjee is defending her seat—leading to a police lathi charge to disperse clashing TMC and BJP supporters.
Slightly over 61% voting till 1pm
Update at 2.30pm: In the high-stake final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026, total 61.11% voting was recorded till 1pm, ANI Tweet reported.
West Bengal sees 61.11% voter turnout till 1 pm in Phase 2 polls
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/lMRawLs86i#WestBengal #AssemblyPolls #ECI #SecondPhase pic.twitter.com/tprgOvFUvp
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) April 29, 2026
Clashes Erupt in South 24 Parganas
Update at 12.15pm – Violence and localized disturbances have intensified across several districts during the Bengal Polls Phase II Live Updates, with South 24 Parganas emerging as a major flashpoint. Reports of candidate intimidation, vehicle vandalism, and EVM malfunctions have surfaced as voters head to the polls across 142 constituencies.
Key Flashpoints and Incidents
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Attack on BJP Candidate: In Basanti, BJP candidate Vikas Sardar was attacked and his vehicle vandalized near booth 76. Allegations suggest an attempt was made to seize his security guard’s firearm.
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Standoff in Bhangar: AISF legislator Md Nawsad Siddique was gheraoed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters in Saihati. Siddique alleged the ruling party was deliberately disrupting an otherwise peaceful morning.
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Police Misconduct Allegations: In the Karimpur constituency of Nadia, a state police officer was reportedly caught on camera soliciting votes for the Trinamool Congress, sparking immediate protests.
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Lathi-Charge in Howrah: Central forces resorted to a lathi-charge at Don Bosco School in Bali after voters grew agitated over malfunctioning EVMs. Agents from both Congress and TMC were reportedly injured.
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Villager Retaliation: In Sasan (North 24 Parganas), AISF supporters and local villagers reportedly fought back against TMC activists who were allegedly attempting to intimidate voters.
39.97% Turnout Till 11 AM; Cancer Survivor’s Vote Inspires State
Update at 12 noon — As the high-stakes second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 unfolds, the state has recorded a solid voter turnout of 39.97% by 11:00 AM across 142 constituencies. Amidst heavy security and scattered reports of friction between TMC and BJP workers, the image of a cancer survivor casting her vote in South Kolkata has emerged as the defining symbol of the “festival of democracy.”
Highlights of the Poll Spirit
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Indomitable Will: The Election Commission of India (ECI) highlighted a cancer patient exercising her franchise at Polling Station No. 202 in the 160 Rashbehari constituency.
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Voter Turnout by 11 AM: * Purba Bardhaman: Leading the state with the highest participation.
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Hooghly & Nadia: Showing robust numbers despite early morning rain in some pockets.
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Kolkata South: Witnessing steady queues, including high-profile voters in Bhabanipur.
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Youth & Women: Over 8,000 booths are being managed entirely by women, with the ECI reporting “enthusiasm at its peak” among first-time voters and female electors.
Current Ground Situation
While the polling process remains largely rhythmic, the following incidents have been reported:
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Violence Reports: A BJP polling agent was reportedly injured in an attack in Nadia, while clashes between TMC and ISF supporters broke out in Khanakul (Hooghly) over “fake polling agents.”
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Security Deployment: For the first time, NIA officials have been stationed at seven sensitive seats, including Bhangar and Kasba, to prevent any explosive-related disruptions.
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Political Face-off: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and LoP Suvendu Adhikari were spotted in the same booth area in Bhabanipur, though no direct interaction occurred.
Key Fact: This second phase is the final hurdle in the 2026 Bengal elections, covering 142 seats. The results for all 294 seats will be declared on May 4, 2026.
18.39% Turnout in Early Phase 2 Voting
Kolkata/Agartala April 29: West Bengal recorded an 18.39% voter turnout by 9:00 AM on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, during the second phase of Assembly elections. Polling is underway across 142 constituencies in seven districts, including Kolkata, amid tight security and high-profile contests between the TMC and BJP.
Quick Glance: Key Highlights
- Early Turnout:39% recorded in the first two hours (7 AM – 9 AM).
- High-Stakes Battle: CM Mamata Banerjee faces Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur.
- Security Blanket: 2,407 companies of central forces deployed statewide.
- Incidents: Minor tensions reported in Bhabanipur, Rashbehari, and Singur; EVM glitch in Santipur.
Phase 2 Voting Dynamics and District Performance
The second and final phase of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections began with significant enthusiasm. Voters queued early across districts such as Hooghly, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, East Burdwan, and the capital, Kolkata.
While the overall average stood at 18.39%, certain districts showed more aggressive early participation. Notably, rural pockets in Hooghly and Nadia reported brisk voting despite scattered reports of technical glitches.
| District | Turnout (Till 9:00 AM) |
| Purba Bardhaman | 20.86% |
| Hooghly | 20.16% |
| Nadia | 18.50% |
| North 24 Parganas | 17.81% |
| Kolkata Uttar | 17.28% |
| Kolkata Dakshin | 16.81% |
High-Voltage Clash: Bhabanipur and Rashbehari
All eyes remain on the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is defending her home turf against Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. The morning saw minor friction when Kartik Banerjee, the CM’s brother, was cautioned by central forces for allegedly violating assembly limits near a polling station.
In the neighboring Rashbehari seat, the Congress party alleged “hooliganism,” claiming that Trinamool Congress (TMC) activists were obstructing their booth agents. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the youth and women of Bengal to “vote in record numbers” to strengthen the democratic process.
Security Measures and Technical Hurdles
To ensure a “free and fair” process, the Election Commission has deployed an unprecedented 2,407 companies of central forces. This includes CAPF and specialized units from other states.
Despite the heavy presence, tension was noted in Singur, where outgoing MLA Becharam Manna protested against alleged security force excesses.
Additionally, polling was briefly delayed in a booth within the Santipur constituency of Nadia district due to an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) malfunction, though officials resolved the issue promptly.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Q1: Which districts are voting in the second phase of the Bengal 2026 polls? A1: Voting is taking place in Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Howrah, Nadia, and Purba Bardhaman.
Q2: Who are the main candidates in the Bhabanipur seat? A2: The primary contest is between incumbent CM Mamata Banerjee (TMC) and BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari.
Q3: When will the West Bengal Election 2026 results be declared? A3: Following the conclusion of the second phase today, votes are scheduled to be counted on May 4, 2026. (With IANS Inputs)