Voters in West Bengal cast ballots for 142 seats on Wednesday, April 29, during the second phase of the assembly election [1, 2].
This phase determines the political trajectory of the state, pitting the incumbent Trinamool Congress (TMC) against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a high-stakes battle for legislative control [1, 4].
Polling took place across several key constituencies, including Bhabanipur, Kolkata, Bally, Baranagar, and Hooghly [1, 3]. To maintain order during the process, authorities deployed more than 350,000 security personnel across the state [1].
Reports on voter participation varied. IndiaTV News reported a turnout of 78.68% by 3 p.m. [1], while the Economic Times recorded a turnout of 61.11% [3].
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence in a BJP victory, saying, "BJP Going To Complete Hat‑Trick of Wins" [2]. Modi said he intends to return to the state for the oath ceremony on May 4 [6].
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee (TMC) and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari remained central figures in the contest [1]. The results will be compared against the 2021 assembly election, where the TMC secured 123 seats [6].
“BJP Going To Complete Hat‑Trick of Wins”
The second phase of the 2026 election serves as a critical litmus test for the BJP's ability to dismantle the TMC's stronghold. With the TMC having won 123 seats in 2021, the current results will indicate whether the political tide has shifted toward the BJP's national agenda or if the regional leadership of Mamata Banerjee maintains its grip on the electorate.
