Voter turnout in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 reached 61.11% by 1 PM, amid allegations of EVM tampering and violence in Panihati.
The second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 has seen significant voter participation, with early reports indicating a turnout of 61.11% by 1 PM. However, the polling process has not been without controversy, as allegations of electronic voting machine (EVM) tampering and incidents of violence have emerged from various constituencies.
Voting commenced at 7 AM, and while many booths reported smooth operations, the atmosphere has been charged with political tensions. Election officials have stated that the polling process remains largely under control, despite the claims of irregularities and clashes reported in some areas.
According to data released by the Election Commission of India, Purba Bardhaman recorded the highest turnout so far, with approximately 66.8% participation. Officials anticipate that the final turnout figures will increase as more voters head to the polls throughout the day.
This phase of the elections is particularly significant, as it includes key constituencies that could influence the overall electoral outcome. Areas such as Panihati, known for its political sensitivity, have been at the center of controversy, with reports of violence and EVM issues complicating the voting process.
The electorate for this phase is diverse, with around 3.21 crore eligible voters, including approximately 1.57 crore women and 792 registered third-gender voters. This demographic spread highlights the inclusive nature of the electoral process in West Bengal.
Concerns regarding EVM integrity have been raised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has alleged that their party symbol was obscured at certain polling booths, making it difficult for voters to identify. In Panihati, a specific incident was reported where the issue was resolved after the ink covering the BJP symbol was removed with sanitizer. BJP leader Amit Malviya shared a video online, claiming that attempts were made to block the party’s voting option, referring to it as the “Diamond Harbour Model,” a tactic he alleged was used to secure votes for Mamata Banerjee’s nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, in previous elections.
Adding to the controversy, the mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, who is contesting as a BJP candidate, alleged that she was attacked by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers while campaigning in Panihati. She claimed that goons targeted her and that police did not cooperate when she sought assistance. Furthermore, she reported that the BJP button on the EVM was covered in ink, raising questions about the fairness of the voting process.
Despite these challenges, senior BJP leader Locket Chatterjee expressed optimism, suggesting that voter turnout could reach as high as 85%. She emphasized the peaceful nature of the voting process and encouraged citizens to exercise their right to vote, asserting that the BJP would form the next government in West Bengal.
Election officials, including West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, have expressed hope that the overall turnout could match or even exceed the impressive 93% recorded during the first phase of voting. Agarwal noted that the state has demonstrated that high voter turnout is achievable and that the elections can be conducted fairly.
The results of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 are scheduled to be announced on May 4, 2026. On that day, votes recorded in EVMs across all constituencies will be counted, with early trends expected to emerge in the morning. Final results are typically announced by evening, determining which party or alliance will form the next government in West Bengal.
As the day progresses, all eyes remain on the polling booths, with officials and political parties alike closely monitoring the situation amid the ongoing electoral process.
According to The Sunday Guardian, the developments in this phase of the elections will be crucial in shaping the political landscape of West Bengal.