Voting for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 is underway on Wednesday across 142 constituencies in southern West Bengal, covering key districts including Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman.
Polling began at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm, with early turnout reaching 18.39% by 9 am, according to the Election Commission of India. Over 3.21 crore voters are eligible to decide the fate of around 1,448 candidates in this decisive phase of the election.
Abhishek Banerjee of the All India Trinamool Congress alleged that nearly 30 lakh voters had effectively been prevented from voting, accusing election observers of intimidation, while the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party raised concerns about attacks on its candidates and workers.
The closely watched contest in Bhabanipur between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as the focal point of the phase, reflecting the intense political rivalry shaping the state’s electoral battle.
High Stakes Voting Amid Early Controversies
The second phase of polling is widely considered decisive in determining whether the Trinamool Congress can secure another term or whether the BJP can make a significant breakthrough in the state’s political landscape. Polling is being conducted across more than 41,000 polling stations, with elaborate security arrangements deployed to ensure peaceful voting.
Soon after casting his vote, Abhishek Banerjee criticised central authorities and election observers, alleging that several officials had “exceeded their mandate” by intimidating voters and interfering with the process rather than simply monitoring it. The Trinamool leadership has repeatedly claimed that the electoral process has been affected by administrative pressure and irregularities.
Meanwhile, early reports from several constituencies pointed to sporadic clashes, technical glitches and allegations of intimidation. In parts of Howrah and South 24 Parganas, voters and candidates complained about malfunctioning electronic voting machines (EVMs), prompting officials to intervene.
In Basanti in South 24 Parganas, tension escalated after a BJP candidate was reportedly attacked during a visit to a polling booth, with his vehicle vandalised and an attempt allegedly made to snatch a firearm from his security personnel. These incidents have highlighted the charged atmosphere surrounding the elections, even as authorities maintain that security forces have been deployed in adequate numbers to maintain order.
Bhabanipur Showdown And Voter Roll Row
The Bhabanipur constituency in Kolkata has emerged as the symbolic centre of the election, where Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari face off in a high-profile political contest. Adhikari, once a close aide of Banerjee who later joined the BJP, questioned the presence of a large entourage accompanying the Chief Minister during her polling booth visits, claiming such actions could intimidate voters. Banerjee, on the other hand, accused central forces and observers of acting in favour of the BJP and influencing the electoral environment.
Beyond the immediate contest, the election is taking place under the shadow of the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of West Bengal’s electoral rolls. The exercise was undertaken to remove duplicate, deceased or ineligible voters, but it has sparked intense political debate.
Data suggests that around 90 lakh names were deleted from the voter list during the revision process, while more than 12 lakh appeals regarding voter status remained unresolved ahead of polling, leaving many uncertain about their ability to vote.
The Trinamool Congress has alleged that the revision disproportionately affected its supporters and could disenfranchise large sections of the electorate. However, both the BJP and the Election Commission have denied these claims, maintaining that the exercise was necessary to ensure a clean and accurate electoral roll.
This phase also follows a record voter turnout of nearly 93% in the first phase of polling, signalling strong public participation in the electoral process. Political observers say the final phase could prove decisive in determining whether the ruling party retains its dominance in the southern districts or whether the opposition gains ground.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Elections are among the most important democratic exercises in India, and moments like these underscore both the strength and vulnerability of the democratic process. Allegations of voter suppression, technical glitches, and political intimidation regardless of which party raises them highlight the urgent need for transparent institutions, credible electoral procedures and a peaceful voting environment. For democracy to thrive, citizens must not only have the right to vote but must also feel confident that their vote counts and that the process is fair.
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