India
oi-Swastika Sruti
West Bengal recorded an overall voter turnout of 61.11% in the second phase of the 2026 Assembly elections. Among the districts, Purba Bardhaman reported the highest turnout at 66.80%, while Kolkata South saw the lowest participation.
West Bengal recorded 61.11% voter turnout in the second phase of the 2026 Assembly elections, with Purba Bardhaman highest at 66.80%, amidst reports of tension, EVM glitches, and political confrontations including Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari at a Bhabanipur polling booth.
The numbers reflect a strong voter presence despite reports of tension and scattered incidents during the day.
Political Showdown at a Single Booth
#WATCH | West Bengal: Claiming an attack on his car by TMC workers, BJP candidate from the Basanti assembly constituency, Bikash Sardar, says, “Gundagiri by TMC is happening everywhere in the constituency. 200-250 TMC goons attacked my car with rods and bamboo sticks. They also… pic.twitter.com/nvJ9oxCAxx
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2026“>
One of the most dramatic moments of the day unfolded when Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari reached the same polling booth in Bhabanipur at nearly the same time.
West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, Mamata Banerjee, says, “My party and I, as Chairman of AITC, want the voting to be peaceful so that people can exercise their franchise. However, some observers have been brought in from different… https://t.co/8IZn4Ctj2n pic.twitter.com/0bAwcKA9Va
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2026“>
The contest in Bhabanipur is being seen as a high-stakes battle, especially after their previous face-off in the Nandigram election. Heavy deployment of central forces was seen in the area as both leaders exchanged sharp remarks.
War of Words Intensifies
The encounter quickly turned into a political clash of statements. Suvendu Adhikari said he would not allow any “hooliganism,” while Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of trying to influence the election using central forces and officials.
Both leaders made strong claims, reflecting the intense rivalry between the two parties in this phase.
Trends are starting to come in. 🤔🤔
BJP candidate Priyanka Tibrewal was seen pushing and threatening a TMC agent inside the booth. pic.twitter.com/QUlkfM2B98
— Shruti Dhore (@ShrutiDhore) April 29, 2026“>
Allegations of Violence and Intimidation
Reports of alleged violence and unrest came from different parts of the state. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused BJP workers and central forces of creating fear among voters, while the BJP blamed TMC supporters for attacking its polling agents.
In Nadia’s Chapra, a BJP agent was reportedly assaulted, while in other areas, party offices were allegedly vandalised. However, both sides denied the accusations made against them.
EVM Glitches Add to Tension
Technical problems with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were reported in some areas, including parts of Howrah. In one instance, delays caused by malfunctioning machines led to protests by voters.
Security personnel had to step in to control the situation, and a few arrests were made. Such incidents added to voter frustration during the day.
High-Profile Campaign and Early Movement
Mamata Banerjee broke her usual voting day routine by stepping out early in the morning and visiting several polling booths. Her early presence highlighted the importance of this phase, especially in south Bengal constituencies.
#WATCH | TMC Chairperson and CM Mamata Banerjee is present outside a polling station in Chakraberia Sarbojanin, Bhabanipur, as West Bengal votes in the final phase of the State elections. She is contesting from this assembly constituency pic.twitter.com/KVsnYjFtp8
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2026“>
Her active movement across areas like Chetla and Chakraberia showed how crucial this phase is for her party.
Tensions in Other Constituencies
In Panihati, BJP candidate Ratna Debnath reportedly faced protests, and her vehicle was allegedly stopped by rival party workers. Meanwhile, security was tightened in sensitive areas like Bhangar, where drones were used for surveillance to prevent any untoward incidents.
#WATCH | Panihati, West Bengal | Sekharranjan Debnath, father of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim, says, “TMC goons on motorbike were present on the way as we were passing. They also sloganeered at us. They brought many more TMC goons with them and tried to… pic.twitter.com/vWIpLEeLDn
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2026“>
These developments show how closely contested and sensitive many constituencies remain.
Political Challenges and Accusations
TMC leader Derek O’Brien challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he should resign if the TMC wins the state.
Narendra, aapne announce kiya tha, Bangal ki sabhi 294 seats par aap hi candidate hain
Badi-badi baat chhodiye. Ye challenge sweekar kijiye
4 May ko jab Mamata Banerjee aur TMC Bangal jeetenge, PRADHAN MANTRI PAD SE RESIGNATION DIJIYE
Hain dum? pic.twitter.com/0i81SHyhOf
— Derek OBrien | ডেরেক ওব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) April 29, 2026“>
On the other hand, BJP leader Amit Malviya accused the ruling party of tampering with EVMs in Falta, claiming that voting buttons were blocked. These accusations have not been independently confirmed.
VIDEO | West Bengal Election 2026: In Bhangar, Kolkata Police has intensified surveillance using drones to prevent any untoward incidents.
Senior officers, including Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Subhankar Sinha and Rupesh Kumar, along with other officials, are… pic.twitter.com/OGWXZ03JBn
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 29, 2026“>
Voters Show Determination Despite Challenges
Despite reports of unrest, delays, and political clashes, voters turned out in large numbers. Many people waited patiently in long queues to cast their votes, showing strong faith in the democratic process.
The overall turnout suggests that voters remained committed, even in the face of difficulties.
Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections saw a mix of strong voter participation and intense political drama. While the turnout remained high, the day was also marked by allegations, clashes, and technical issues.
