Voters in West Bengal cast ballots across 142 assembly constituencies on April 29 for the second phase of the 2026 Assembly elections [1, 6].
The outcome of this high-stakes contest will determine whether the incumbent All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) can maintain its grip on the state or if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can secure a historic victory [1, 5].
Voter turnout recorded until 3 p.m. varied by source, with some reports citing 78.68 percent [1, 2, 3] and others reporting 61.11 percent [4]. To maintain order, the Election Commission of India deployed more than 350,000 security personnel throughout the state [5].
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (BJP) expressed confidence in his party's performance. "BJP Going To Complete Hat-Trick of Wins," Modi said [1].
Despite the security presence, reports of instability emerged from several areas. Chaos erupted in parts of West Bengal like Bally, Baranagar, and Hooghly as voters claimed an 'EVM glitch' and alleged delay in the beginning of the voting process due to 'failed' attempts, reporters said [2].
The Election Commission of India described the operation as a large-scale effort to ensure smooth and peaceful polling [5]. However, other reports cited clashes and lathicharge incidents at several booths [2, 4].
Voting took place in key regions including Kolkata, Howrah, 24 Parganas, Bally, Baranagar, Hooghly, Nadia, and the Bhabanipur booth [1, 2, 3]. The contest remains a direct confrontation between leaders Mamata Banerjee of the TMC and Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP [1, 2, 3].
“"BJP Going To Complete Hat-Trick of Wins"”
The discrepancy in reported voter turnout and the clash between official claims of 'peaceful polling' and on-ground reports of chaos suggest a highly volatile electoral environment. The mobilization of over 350,000 security personnel underscores the state's history of political violence during elections, while the focus on EVM glitches indicates a continued struggle over the perceived legitimacy of the voting process between the BJP and TMC.
