West Bengal Phase 2 Polls: 39.97% Turnout Till 11 AM Amid Sporadic Violence, EVM Complaints

Voting marred by attacks, machine glitches in key constituencies

Voter turnout of 39.97 per cent was recorded till 11 am on Wednesday across 142 constituencies in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, as long queues formed outside booths from as early as 5:30 am despite rain lashing several parts of the state.

The first phase on April 23 had seen 41.11 per cent turnout at the same hour, eventually closing at a record 92.88 per cent.

BJP candidate’s car attacked in South 24 Parganas

In Basanti, South 24 Parganas district, BJP candidate Bikash Sardar allegedly came under attack at Booth No. 76. Sources said a group of people smashed the windows of his vehicle and made an attempt to snatch the firearm from his security personnel. Sardar was present at the booth during the incident.

EVM glitches, agent disputes reported across districts

Polling officials faced multiple disruptions through the morning. In Howrah’s Bally, a ruckus erupted following reports of malfunctioning electronic voting machines. Two CRPF personnel were detained in connection with the incident, according to sources familiar with the matter.

In Nadia’s Chapra, a BJP polling agent alleged that TMC workers attacked him. A scuffle also broke out between supporters of the TMC and the Indian Secular Front in Hooghly over accusations of fake polling agents being deployed.

Mamata alleges police excesses, BJP rigging attempts

Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee, showed a picture on her mobile phone to media persons, alleging police excesses in Bhangar. She named the Officer-in-Charge and questioned whether people would still vote after such incidents.

Describing the election as a "festival of democracy," Banerjee claimed the BJP was attempting to "forcefully rig" the polls. She also alleged that CRPF personnel raided a councillor’s home in Ward No. 70 last night without police presence, vandalising the house when only the councillor’s wife and children were present.

Long queues, exhausted voters in Ichhapur and North Barrackpore

In Ichhapur, Barrackpore, voters reported waiting since 6 am with many still unable to cast their ballots by 10:30 am. Locals alleged possible EVM malfunction causing delays. Several women were seen seated on the ground, visibly exhausted and hungry but refusing to leave without voting. A young woman who was unwell had been waiting since 7:30 am.

North Barrackpore saw particularly long queues of women voters.

High-stakes contest in Bhabanipur

The most closely watched constituency remains Bhabanipur, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faces a formidable challenge from BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari—the same opponent who defeated her in Nandigram during the 2021 polls.

If the TMC secures victory in 2026, Banerjee will become Chief Minister for a fourth consecutive term, a first for any woman in India. The Left Front ruled West Bengal for nearly 34 years before the TMC ended its reign in 2011.

Counting scheduled for May 4

A total of 1,448 candidates, including 220 women, are contesting in this phase. Around 3.21 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots. Counting of votes across all phases will be held on May 4.

Bengal Phase 2 Campaign Ends, EC Orders Action Over Mamata Caricature

Polling for 142 seats across West Bengal tomorrow as security forces tighten grip; TMC and BJP trade allegations in final stretch.

The high-decibel campaign for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections came to a close on Monday evening, with all eyes now on tomorrow’s voting across 142 constituencies. The outcome is expected to determine which way the political winds blow in a state that has seen a bitter, no-holds-barred fight between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In the final 24 hours before polling, the Election Commission stepped in with a sharp directive. Police have been ordered to take strict action over an obscene cartoon targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that surfaced on social media.

EC steps in over offensive post

The TMC flagged a screenshot of the post, alleging it was shared by a BJP supporter from Uttar Pradesh. Party workers described the caricature as “vile and insulting.” Following a formal complaint by Nilanjan Das, the Bidhannagar cyber cell has started probing the account. The EC’s swift order, issued late Monday, directed police not to delay action.

Mamata’s Kolkata roadshow draws crowds

Undeterred by the controversy, Banerjee hit the streets for a final push. She led a 6-km roadshow from Sukanta Setu to Gopalnagar Crossing in south Kolkata, drawing large crowds that snaked through the evening traffic. The show of strength was aimed at consolidating the party’s core base in the crucial South Bengal belt.

Over 1,500 arrested, bombs found

Polling day preparations have been shadowed by recurring violence. A CISF jawan was injured after firing broke out outside a BJP candidate’s residence in Bhatpara, North 24 Parganas. Four people, including a local councillor, have been arrested. In Howrah, eight crude bombs were recovered from a polling booth premises.

Acting on EC directives to ensure peaceful voting, police have arrested 1,543 people across the state. Among them is TMC councillor Naru Gopal Bhakta from Purba Bardhaman, accused of attacking a BJP leader’s house. Authorities have also seized illegal items worth over ₹510 crore, including ₹30 crore in cash and a significant quantity of liquor and drugs.

Rijiju sees ‘wave’, TMC cries bias

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju claimed that a strong wave is building for the BJP, asserting that voters see his party as the only credible alternative. “The state has been destroyed under TMC rule,” he said, adding that the BJP aims to make West Bengal a growth engine again.

The TMC, meanwhile, questioned the neutrality of a police observer deployed in South 24 Parganas, calling the move politically biased. Party candidate Jahangir Khan was seen in a viral video being warned by UP IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma over alleged voter intimidation. Khan responded with a threatening tone: “You may have started the game, but we will finish it.”

Border movement restricted, CCTV in place

Movement through the Petrapole land port and other Bangladesh border routes has been restricted ahead of tomorrow’s voting. Officials confirmed that robust security measures, including live CCTV monitoring and central force deployment, are in place, especially in sensitive zones like Sandeshkhali, which witnessed alleged atrocities in 2024.

With the TMC fighting to retain its dominance in its South Bengal stronghold and the BJP banking on Matua and refugee votes in North 24 Parganas, tomorrow’s polling is expected to be a test of which party can turn out its base under the shadow of central forces.