WB Phase 2: Over 61% turnout till 1 pm as TMC faces ‘litmus test’ in bastions

Polling is currently underway for 142 seats across South Bengal and Kolkata, with the Trinamool Congress defending its traditional strongholds against a surging BJP.

Kolkata: Long queues were visible outside polling booths across South Bengal on Wednesday morning as West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 61.11 per cent till 1 pm in the second phase of the 2026 Assembly Elections.

According to data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the polling process has remained largely brisk despite the rising afternoon heat. Hooghly district is currently leading the charts with a 64.57 per cent turnout, while Howrah followed closely at 60.68 per cent. In the state capital, Kolkata North saw 60.18 per cent polling, while Kolkata South registered a slightly lower 57.73 per cent turnout by early afternoon.

High stakes in South Bengal

This phase is being widely described by political analysts as the "litmus test" for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Of the 142 seats up for grabs today, the Mamata Banerjee-led party had secured a staggering 123 seats during the 2021 assembly polls.

The belt currently voting includes the party’s most reliable fortresses in South Bengal and the urban heart of Kolkata. For the TMC, maintaining its dominance here is essential for securing a fourth consecutive term. Conversely, the BJP is putting up a spirited challenge, hoping to capitalize on anti-incumbency and make significant inroads into the urban "bhadralok" vote and the influential Matua community pockets in Nadia.

Heavy polling in districts

Ground reports suggest a steady flow of voters since 7 am. In Nadia, which recorded 61.41 per cent polling till 1 pm, rural voters turned out in large numbers to beat the midday sun.

The ECI has deployed a massive security apparatus to ensure a peaceful process. Over 41,001 polling stations have been set up for this phase, which caters to an electorate of 3.21 crore. Notably, more than 8,000 booths are being managed entirely by women, a move aimed at encouraging female participation in what has historically been a high-turnout state.

Battle for the ‘Big Five’

While the numbers are impressive across the board, the spotlight remains fixed on the "Big Five" urban contests. Bhabanipur, the Chief Minister’s own backyard, remains the most watched seat. However, Tollyganj—the hub of the Bengali film industry—has also emerged as a high-profile battleground with several celebrity candidates in the fray.

The BJP’s strategy in this phase has focused heavily on highlighting issues of urban infrastructure and "syndicate culture," while the TMC has doubled down on its welfare schemes, particularly targeting women voters who have been a cornerstone of their electoral success.

Logistics and candidate profile

A total of 1,448 candidates are testing their luck today, including 220 women. Local authorities in Kolkata confirmed that while there were minor reports of technical glitches with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in a few pockets of Howrah and Kolkata South, these were swiftly addressed by booth officials to prevent any significant delays.

Looking ahead to May 4

As the day progresses, the focus will shift to the final turnout figures, which often cross the 80 per cent mark in West Bengal. In the 2021 edition, this specific belt saw intense polarization, and the current momentum suggests that the 2026 battle is being fought with equal, if not greater, intensity.

The fate of these 142 seats will be sealed in the ballot boxes by early evening, with the final counting of votes scheduled for May 4. For now, all eyes remain on the remaining hours of polling as the state decides whether the TMC’s "South Bengal fortress" remains intact or if the BJP has finally breached the wall.

Bengal Phase 1: Violence Erupts in Murshidabad as TMC, AJUP Workers Clash

Clashes broke out in Murshidabad’s Naoda while BJP candidates were targeted in South Dinajpur and Asansol during the high-stakes first phase of West Bengal Elections 2026.

The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 was marred by sporadic incidents of violence, vehicle vandalism, and heated political face-offs on Thursday. The most significant unrest was reported from the Naoda constituency in Murshidabad, where supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) engaged in a violent skirmish.

Clashes break out in Naoda

Tensions flared early Thursday morning in Shibnagar village when AJUP founder Humayun Kabir arrived at a polling booth. Local sources indicated that TMC supporters surrounded Kabir’s vehicle, raising "go back" slogans and labeling him a "BJP agent." The verbal spat quickly escalated into a full-scale clash.

Both groups allegedly pelted stones and bricks at each other, leaving several people injured. Roadside vehicles were damaged in the melee as the mob took to the streets with lathis. To prevent the situation from spiraling further, central forces and local police resorted to a baton charge to disperse the gathering.

Security forces restore order

Large contingents of security personnel were rushed to the sensitive pockets of Naoda to maintain the law-and-order situation. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken cognisance of the incident and sought a detailed report from the District Election Officer.

Humayun Kabir later staged a sit-in protest, demanding the immediate removal of a local police officer. He alleged that his supporters were targeted by police on the eve of the polls and accused the TMC of using state machinery to intimidate voters.

BJP candidates under attack

The violence was not restricted to Murshidabad. In South Dinajpur’s Kumarganj, BJP candidate Subhendu Sarkar was allegedly chased and assaulted by a mob. Video footage showed Sarkar running for safety as his security guards struggled to hold back the attackers.

Similarly, in Asansol South, the vehicle of BJP MLA and candidate Agnimitra Paul was pelted with stones in the Rahmatnagar area. While Paul escaped unhurt, the rear window of her car was shattered. She has since filed an official complaint at the Hirapur police station.

Reports of polling interference

Beyond physical altercations, allegations of voter intimidation and polling interference surfaced in several districts. In Malda, a malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) led to a protest where locals surrounded an election officer, necessitating a rescue operation by security forces.

In Siliguri’s Jagdish Chandra Vidyapeeth, workers from the TMC and BJP entered into a heated argument outside a polling booth. Security personnel intervened to pacify both sides before the situation could turn violent.

High stakes for Bengal

This phase covers 152 of the 294 seats in the state, making it a critical juncture for both Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the challenger BJP. The ruling TMC is eyeing a fourth term, while the BJP is banking on a consolidated anti-incumbency wave.

The heavy deployment of central forces across sensitive booths has been a point of contention. While the administration claims the situation remains largely peaceful, the opposition has pointed to these incidents as proof of a compromised electoral environment.

What lies ahead next

The Election Commission has ordered the arrest of those identified in the viral assault videos. As the state moves toward the second and final phase of polling on April 29, security is expected to be further tightened in flashpoint districts like Murshidabad and South Dinajpur.

The results of this high-decibel contest will be declared on May 4. For now, all eyes remain on the remaining constituencies as the West Bengal Elections 2026 continue to dominate the Latest News Today and Trending News India cycles.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress during rallies in West Bengal on Monday. He accused the Mamata Banerjee government of embezzling Rs 5,000 crore through multiple scams. Sources close to the BJP said the speeches aimed to fire up cadres before the first polling phase on April 23.

Rally Highlights

Shah addressed crowds in Mayureswar, Bolpur, and Birbhum districts. He warned TMC goons to stay home on polling day or face jail after May 5. "People of Bengal will reply to bombs with votes," he declared, pushing for a double-engine BJP government.

Scam Allegations

The minister listed teacher recruitment, cow smuggling, and ration scams as evidence of TMC graft. "BJP will make scamsters pay every penny," Shah asserted at Mayureswar. Reports indicated these charges resonate in rural Birbhum, hit by violence allegations.

Infiltrators Issue

Shah promised nationwide action against infiltrators, claiming Mamata opposes Election Commission lists. He linked this to border fencing delays, vowing land handover within 45 days of BJP victory. Officials noted heightened security concerns near Bangladesh borders.

Bose Joins TMC

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's grandson Chandra Kumar Bose quit BJP for TMC on Sunday. "BJP practices divisive politics and communal hatred," Bose said after induction by ministers Bratya Basu and MP Kirti Azad. He had lost 2016 assembly and 2019 Lok Sabha polls on BJP ticket.timesofindia.

Poll Background

West Bengal votes in two phases: April 23 and 29, with results on May 4 or 5. BJP eyes gains after 2021 setbacks, targeting TMC strongholds like Birbhum. Mamata countered, alleging BJP's Rs 1,000 crore plot to topple her regime.

Safety Concerns

Shah pledged no repeat of Sandeshkhali, RG Kar, or law college horrors under BJP rule. He slammed Mamata for riots in Murshidabad, Ram Navami attacks, and Saraswati Puja curbs. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari echoed: women unsafe, jobs scarce.

Official Reactions

"TMC more dangerous than a poisonous snake," Mamata shot back.[query context] Congress MP Karti Chidambaram defended Tamil Nadu's Hindu credentials amid southern campaigns.[query context] BJP's Nitin Nabin roadshowed in Tamil Nadu, but Bengal dominated discourse.

Voter Impact

Charges of cut-money, syndicates, and infiltrators sway undecided voters in Birbhum's 11 seats. Public interest stories highlight women's safety and jobs as key issues. Analysts see BJP consolidating Hindu votes, TMC leaning on welfare schemes.

Path Ahead

Shah's three rallies signal aggressive BJP push till April 23. TMC banks on Bose's entry for nationalist appeal. Counting on May 5 could reshape national politics, with double-engine promises in focus. Latest news today from English news portal India tracks these government updates.

India's democratic calendar for 2026 is now set. The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced the schedule for the 2026 general elections to the legislative assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal — setting the stage for one of the largest democratic exercises in the country this year. Voting will be held between April 9 and April 29, 2026, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4, 2026 for all five regions. The Model Code of Conduct came into immediate effect across all poll-bound states from the moment of the announcement.

The Complete Schedule at a Glance

Assam (126 seats): Single phase — April 9. Counting: May 4. Assembly term ends May 20.

Kerala (140 seats): Single phase — April 9. Counting: May 4. Assembly term ends May 23.

Puducherry (30 seats): Single phase — April 9. Counting: May 4. Assembly term ends June 15.

Tamil Nadu (234 seats): Single phase — April 23. Counting: May 4. Assembly term ends May 10.

West Bengal (294 seats): Two phases — April 23 (152 seats) and April 29 (142 seats). Counting: May 4. Assembly term ends May 7.

The elections will cover 824 constituencies involving approximately 17.4 crore eligible voters and over 2.18 lakh polling stations across the five regions.

Why the Announcement Matters Right Now

The timing of this announcement has immediate consequences across India's political landscape. In Madhya Pradesh, BJP state ministers and party workers — including those in the Mohan Yadav cabinet — are expected to be deployed for campaigning in election-bound states, which is precisely why sources in Bhopal say the long-anticipated MP cabinet reshuffle has been deferred to the second week of May. The announcement has also effectively frozen key policy decisions in poll-bound states, with the Model Code of Conduct now prohibiting new government schemes, transfers of key officials, or announcement of fresh benefits designed to influence voters.

West Bengal: Two Phases, High Stakes

The elections in West Bengal will be conducted in two phases — 152 seats on April 23 and the remaining 142 constituencies on April 29. This marks a significant reduction from the eight phases used in previous Bengal elections. Responding to a question about the reduced number of phases, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said it was necessary to reduce phases to make the election convenient for voters.

West Bengal's 294-seat assembly will see a fierce battle between the ruling Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee since 2011, and the Bharatiya Janata Party. The state has 6,45,61,152 total electors, including 5,23,229 young voters aged 18–19 years, 4,16,089 electors with disabilities, and 3,78,979 senior citizens aged 85 and above.

Central forces are expected to be deployed extensively in West Bengal to ensure smooth polling. CEC Kumar issued a firm warning, stating the Commission will not tolerate political violence and will act wherever required.

The Mamata factor: The Chief Minister had announced a DA hike for state government employees just days before the MCC announcement. When asked, CEC Kumar stated clearly that actions taken before the Model Code of Conduct comes into force remain the prerogative of the concerned government — offering Mamata a degree of political cover while firmly signalling that no such moves will be permissible going forward.

Kerala: LDF Defends, BJP Eyes Historic Breakthrough

Kerala's 140-seat contest pits the incumbent Left Democratic Front under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan against the United Democratic Front led by Congress. The BJP-led NDA is entering the race aggressively, planning to field candidates in around 100 seats — with allies Bharat Dharma Jana Sena and Twenty20 covering the remainder — in what party strategists describe as its most organised Kerala campaign to date.

Kerala's revised electoral roll includes 2,69,53,644 voters — 1,31,26,048 male, 1,38,27,319 female, and 227 third-gender voters — with 4,24,518 first-time voters in the 18–19 age group. The state votes on April 9.

Tamil Nadu: DMK's Incumbency Test

Tamil Nadu's 234 assembly seats go to the polls on April 23 in a single phase. The contest will test the DMK government's incumbency against a consolidated opposition. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is seeking re-election on the back of welfare delivery and anti-Centre posturing, while the AIADMK and BJP — now in a renewed alliance — are attempting to capitalise on discontent over price rise and unemployment.

Tamil Nadu's assembly term expires on May 10, making elections constitutionally time-bound with no room for delay.

Assam: BJP Eyes Historic Third Term

In Assam, the BJP-led NDA government faces off against Congress for all 126 seats in a single-phase vote on April 9. The BJP is seeking a third consecutive term under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, banking on development infrastructure, welfare schemes, and aggressive governance. Party leadership has indicated that committees have been established at every level — from the panchayat to the state — ahead of the poll.

Congress and its INDIA bloc partners are counting on anti-incumbency, inflation-related grievances, and a consolidated minority voter base to mount a credible challenge.

Puducherry: Small State, National Significance

Puducherry's 30-seat assembly votes on April 9. The Union Territory — governed by a Congress-led coalition — is often treated as an afterthought, but its result carries symbolic weight for the INDIA bloc's ability to hold onto governance in smaller territories. The BJP-AINRC alliance under N. Rangasamy is seeking to return to power after being ousted in 2021.

What the CEC Said

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar called the polls a "festival of pride," urging first-time voters: "You are about to step into one of the most important responsibilities of your life. Your vote is your choice in shaping the future of your state and the nation."

The Commission flagged concerns about misinformation and deepfakes, saying strict vigilance mechanisms are in place during the campaign period. The ECI has also directed social media platforms to fast-track the takedown of MCC-violating content within three hours of a complaint being filed.

By-Elections Also Announced

In addition to the five assembly elections, the Commission also announced by-elections for six seats across six states — Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura — in two phases. The first phase covers Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura on April 9; the second phase covers Gujarat and Maharashtra on April 23. Counting for all by-elections is also on May 4.

Key Deployment Figures

Nearly 2.19 lakh polling stations will be set up and approximately 25 lakh personnel will be deployed to conduct the elections. An average of 750–900 electors per polling station is expected across all five regions. Observers from more than 20 countries will witness the elections — the largest single round of state assembly polling India has seen in 2026.

The National Verdict That Is Coming

The simultaneous announcement of elections in five politically diverse regions — from Bengal's TMC stronghold to BJP-governed Assam, from Congress-allied Tamil Nadu to the LDF's Kerala bastion — transforms April and May 2026 into a national political referendum.

For the BJP, which governs at the Centre and in Assam, these results will signal whether the momentum from its 2024 Lok Sabha victory has held through two years of governance and external shocks — the West Asia energy crisis, rising prices, and geopolitical turbulence. For the INDIA bloc, Bengal and Kerala are must-win. A Mamata sweep combined with an LDF retention would dramatically reshape opposition confidence heading into 2027–28 state cycles. For the DMK, the Tamil Nadu election is an existential test of incumbency management.

May 4 will answer all of it — and set the terms of Indian politics for the next two years.