The second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 commenced on Wednesday, April 29, across 142 constituencies.
Spanning six districts, including the state capital of Kolkata, this high-stakes phase will determine the political future of the region. While the Election Commission of India (ECI) reported significant voter enthusiasm—particularly among women and youth—the day has been marked by reports of sporadic violence, EVM malfunctions, and heated political rhetoric.
High Voter Turnout and Early Momentum
As of 9:00 AM, the state recorded a voter turnout of 18.39%. Leading the districts in participation, Purba Bardhaman saw a 20.86% turnout, followed closely by Hooghly at 20.16%. In Kolkata, both North and South segments maintained steady momentum with turnouts of 17.28% and 16.81%, respectively. The ECI highlighted the visual of long queues at dawn, particularly in North 24 Parganas, as a testament to the “festival of democracy.”
Allegations of Voter Intimidation and Institutional Bias
The election atmosphere grew tense following serious allegations from Sekharranjan Debnath, the father of the RG Kar Medical College victim. His wife, Ratna Debnath, is contesting the Panihati seat on a BJP ticket. Mr. Debnath described the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) as a “government of monsters,” alleging that TMC workers were threatening voters while security forces remained inactive.
Conversely, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused external election observers of acting under the direction of the BJP. Visiting booths in her bastion of Bhabanipur—where she faces Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari—Banerjee claimed that TMC party workers were being targeted and detained overnight by central forces.
Technical Hurdles and “Revenge Voting”
Several candidates reported issues with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Ratna Debnath (BJP) flagged a lag in the EVM button response at her polling station, stating she would formalize a complaint with election officials. Meanwhile, TMC MP Mahua Moitra, after casting her vote, characterized the high turnout as “revenge voting.” She noted that while the heavy security presence felt restrictive, she expected the public’s sentiment to remain strong throughout the day.
National Leaders Call for Progressive Mandates
National leaders have weighed in on the final leg of the Bengal polls. Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged citizens to vote for “Sonar Bangla,” emphasizing women’s safety and strict action against infiltration. Simultaneously, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge appealed to voters to choose “progressive values and harmony,” specifically encouraging first-time voters to protect the spirit of democracy against intimidation.
