Voting began Wednesday, April 23, 2026, for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections [1].

The results of this election will determine if the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) retains power or if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) makes significant gains in the state [1].

This final stage of the electoral process covers 142 constituencies [2]. Polling is taking place across eight districts, where the Election Commission of India is overseeing the proceedings to ensure order [3]. To facilitate the vote, the commission established over 41,000 polling stations [3].

The scale of the contest is reflected in the number of participants. A total of 2,926 candidates are contesting the 2026 Assembly elections [4]. This high number of candidates underscores the competitive nature of the high-stakes polls as parties vie for control of the state legislature.

While some reports suggested the second phase would occur on April 29, the Election Commission's primary schedule began the process on April 23 [1]. The administration is managing the logistics of the 142 seats to finalize the democratic process for the region [2].

“Voting began Wednesday, April 23, 2026, for the second and final phase.”

The conclusion of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections marks a critical juncture for Indian regional politics. A victory for the TMC would signal continued stability for the current administration, while a surge for the BJP would indicate a shift in the political landscape of eastern India, potentially altering the balance of power in the state's governance and policy direction.