Kolkata
High-Stakes Bengal Battle Begins as Final Phase Polling Starts
Voting began at 7 am on Wednesday for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, covering 142 constituencies in a crucial contest that could determine whether the ruling Trinamool Congress retains dominance in south Bengal or the Bharatiya Janata Party makes major gains.
Polling is underway across Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman, regions considered the political core of the state.
At the centre of attention is Bhabanipur, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faces Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in a prestige contest seen as a symbolic rematch of Nandigram.
A total of 3.21 crore electors, including 1.57 crore women and 792 third-gender voters, are eligible to vote. Polling is being conducted at 41,001 stations, all under webcasting surveillance.
The Election Commission of India has deployed 2,321 companies of central forces across seven districts, with Kolkata receiving the highest deployment of 273 companies. Drones, observers and extensive monitoring systems have also been put in place.
Another major issue in the election has been the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, with large-scale deletions in several south Bengal districts triggering political controversy.
Counting of votes will take place on May 4.