Tempers ran high in Howrah  when Suvendu Adhikari, BJP leader and Leader of Opposition, clashed with TMC supporters during his roadshow through the Bali constituency. What started as a normal campaign rally quickly turned chaotic. As Adhikari’s convoy rolled in, TMC workers started chanting “Jai Bangla” and other slogans, which clearly set him off.

Adhikari didn’t hold back. He stormed over to confront the crowd directly, shouting “chor, chor” (thief, thief) right at the TMC group. It got tense fast, and security and local police had to step in to keep things from spiraling into a physical fight.

This isn’t a one-off. The Howrah incident is just the latest flashpoint in a series of face-offs between BJP and TMC, as West Bengal’s elections inch closer to their final stages. TMC supporters say the BJP is stirring up trouble among locals, while BJP leaders insist their events are being deliberately disrupted by “TMC goons.”

Adhikari has been in the thick of things lately, contesting big seats like Bhabanipur and trying to hold onto his stronghold in Nandigram. He’s become a regular target for TMC protests, and this showdown in Howrah just adds to the tense, almost combative political atmosphere on the ground in West Bengal right now.Suvendu Adhikari’s temper flared up Wednesday evening during a roadshow in Howrah’s Bali constituency, after TMC supporters allegedly disrupted his convoy.

It all started out like a regular political event — nothing too dramatic. But things got heated fast. As Adhikari’s convoy rolled through the area, TMC workers reportedly yelled out “Jai Bangla” and other slogans. That’s when Adhikari snapped. He didn’t just fire back verbally, he marched right up and shouted “chor, chor” (“thief, thief”) at the crowd. People could see he was fuming. Security and police had to step in so things didn’t get physical.

This whole scene is just another flashpoint between BJP and TMC, as the West Bengal elections near their final stages. TMC folks said the BJP was riling up the locals, while BJP leaders claimed their events kept getting blocked by “TMC goons.”

Adhikari’s no stranger to these run-ins. He’s campaigning hard, contesting in high-profile seats like Bhabanipur and holding onto Nandigram, and TMC protests seem to follow him everywhere. This Howrah face-off just adds to the tense, almost “war-like” atmosphere that’s taken over West Bengal politics lately.

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.