West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: Voting Updates and Key Highlights
West Bengal Assembly Election 2026: Final Voting Phase
The political landscape in West Bengal is reaching a critical juncture as the high-stakes assembly elections unfold. On Wednesday, the second and final phase of voting commenced, covering 142 out of 294 seats starting at 7 AM. The contest is primarily between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is aiming to establish its government in the state for the first time. While Congress and CPI are also in the fray, the main battle is perceived to be between TMC and BJP.
In the first phase, which took place on April 23, voting was conducted for 152 seats, achieving a remarkable turnout of 93.17%. Expectations are high for a similarly strong turnout in this second phase. Both TMC and BJP are claiming favorable conditions based on the increased voter participation. The final phase focuses on southern Bengal, where TMC has maintained dominance for the past 15 years. In the 2021 elections, BJP performed well in northern Bengal but struggled in the south, securing only 18 out of 77 seats. As of 6 PM, the voting statistics indicate a turnout of 91.41% for the 142 seats.
BJP's Government in the Making: Majumdar's Statement
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar expressed confidence that the public has voted in favor of BJP this time, suggesting that the electorate has rallied against Mamata Banerjee. He predicts that BJP will secure over 170 seats.
Abhishek Banerjee's Anger Over Elderly Man's Death
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee took to social media platform X to express outrage over an incident in Udaynarayanpur, where an elderly man collapsed while attempting to vote with his son. The elderly individual, who required assistance to walk, was reportedly pushed by central forces, leading to his fall. He was rushed to Amta Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Banerjee criticized the central forces for instilling fear among citizens, alleging violence against women, the elderly, and even children. He drew parallels to the brutal violence against unarmed civilians seen in 2021, warning that BJP would face severe repercussions in 2026.