West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: Voting Underway Amid Tensions

The second and final phase of voting for the West Bengal Assembly elections is underway, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticizing the BJP and central forces for alleged violence against TMC workers. Abhishek Banerjee calls for a strong response from the electorate to reduce BJP's seat count. This phase will determine the fate of numerous candidates, including key ministers and party leaders, across 142 constituencies. With over 3.21 crore voters participating, the outcome will significantly impact the political landscape of West Bengal.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 29, 2026, 10:05 IST

Voting for West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026

Today marks the second and final phase of voting for the West Bengal Assembly elections, with polls taking place across 142 constituencies. Amid this electoral process, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a strong critique against the central government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She accused the central security forces of targeting Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers instead of acting impartially.

Mamata Banerjee Questions the Integrity of the Elections

Mamata Banerjee, contesting from Bhawanipur, expressed her discontent regarding reports of violence during the voting. She recounted the assaults on her party members, stating, "Our workers were brutally beaten at night. What kind of hooliganism is this? Voting should be peaceful, but they (BJP) have completely ruined it. Their intention is clear—winning through rigging. However, the people of Bengal are ready to sacrifice their lives and will not back down."

Abhishek Banerjee's Call for Action Against BJP

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee cast his vote at the Mitra Institution polling booth in Bhawanipur. After voting, he confidently remarked that the people of Bengal would give a strong response to the BJP this time. He noted, "Last time they secured 77 seats, but this time we need to bring them down to below 50." He urged citizens to vote in large numbers to ensure that no one dares to intimidate the people of Bengal in the future.

Details of the Ongoing Voting Phase

Voting is currently taking place today (April 29, 2026) for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, where approximately 3.21 crore voters will decide the fate of 1,448 candidates across 142 assembly constituencies and seven districts.

Key Candidates and Constituencies

This phase will determine the electoral future of over half a dozen ministers from the West Bengal government, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The BJP's prominent leaders and new faces from CPI(M) will challenge TMC candidates in Kolkata and its surrounding districts, which are considered TMC strongholds. The 142 seats in this phase are spread across seven districts: North 24 Parganas (33 seats), South 24 Parganas (31), Nadia (17), Howrah (16), Kolkata (11), Hooghly (18), and Purba Bardhaman (16).

Prominent Candidates in the Election

The main candidates in this election phase include Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, both contesting from Bhawanipur. Other TMC ministers, such as Firhad Hakim from Kolkata Port, Arup Biswas from Tollygunge, Shashi Panja from Shyampukur, and Bratya Basu from Dum Dum, are also vying for their positions in this election.