Heavy turnout, tight security mark second phase of West Bengal Assembly polls
Apr 29, 2026
Polling in the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is underway amid tight security and long queues, with 39.97% voter turnout recorded by 11 a.m. across 142 constituencies in seven districts. The remaining seats of the 294‑member Assembly are going to the polls today, following the first phase’s record turnout of about 92.7% in 152 seats.
Electoral authorities have deployed over 350,000 security personnel across the state, supported by AI‑enabled surveillance and strict “Lakshman Rekha” norms around polling stations to prevent intimidation. Despite the high‑security cordon, there have been isolated incidents, including an EVM malfunction in Baranagar, which led to a delay in voting at Ward 72, and reports of a BJP polling agent being injured in Nadia.
The BJP has also alleged that a party candidate’s vehicle was attacked by “TMC goons” at Basanti in South 24 Parganas, though the ruling party has denied the charges. Long queues have been seen in and around Kolkata, Howrah, and the 24 Parganas districts, reflecting sustained voter enthusiasm.
The Election Commission has announced that all‑phase counting will take place on May 4, 2026, after polls conclude today at 6 p.m.
