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.