Kolkata: Voting for West Bengal’s Assembly elections second phase got underway on Wednesday, spotlighting Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee’s fierce clash with BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur — a constituency central to her political legacy and the broader power struggle.
Bhabanipur, a Trinamool fortress since Banerjee’s 2011 victory, anchors voting in 142 constituencies spanning seven districts. In 2021 assembly elections, the Trinamool swept 123 seats, BJP grabbed 18, and the Left Front held one, setting the stage for this rematch.
Early enthusiasm shone at a eye-catching pink polling station in Hiralal Majumdar College, Kamarhati, where queues formed promptly, aided by robust security and facilities to encourage smooth participation.
In the opening two hours of this final phase across 142 constituencies, 18.39% of the 3.21 crore voters — about 59.1 lakh — had exercised their franchise, a senior Election Commission official told PTI. Leading by 9 a.m. was Purba Bardhaman at 20.86%, with Hooghly close behind (20.16%), followed by Nadia (18.5%), North 24 Parganas (17.81%), Kolkata Uttar (17.28%), South 24 Parganas (17.25%), and Kolkata Dakshin (16.81%).
Voter Breakdown & Contestants
Phase two draws from 32,173,837 registered electors — 64% of the 50,013,786 population across these areas — including 16,435,627 males, 15,737,418 females, and 792 third gender voters, according to ECI records.
These voters will choose among 1,448 candidates — 1,228 men, 220 women, none third gender — in 107 general, 34 SC, and 1 ST seats, with results slated for May 4. Lacking an EPIC? Alternatives like Aadhaar, PAN, driving license, passport, or photo passbooks from banks/post offices suffice among 12 options.
PM Modi Calls For Record Vote
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged massive turnout on X: “Today is Phase-2 of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. Urging all those voting today to do so in record numbers and make our democracy more vibrant as well as participative. It is important that the women and youth of West Bengal, in particular, turnout in large numbers and exercise their franchise.”
‘Do Not Be Influenced’: Says Mallikarjun Kharge To Voters
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in a post on X, urged the people of Bengal to vote in “large numbers”. He also told them “not to be influenced” or “intimidated” by anyone.
“Today marks the second phase of polling in the West Bengal Assembly elections. I urge every voter to step out in large numbers and exercise your democratic right without fear or hesitation. Do not be influenced or intimidated by anyone. Vote for progressive values. Vote for development. Vote for harmony. Vote for amity,” he said.
He added, “West Bengal has always led the way in driving meaningful change, and today is another such moment. This is the time to stand up against forces that seek to undermine your rights and give them a befitting reply. I especially appeal to young and first-time voters, your voice matters. Ensure that the spirit of true Democracy persists in West Bengal.”
