Gargi Chatterjee, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate for Noapara, has voiced her concerns regarding the ongoing vote counting for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. As the counting commenced on May 4, Chatterjee expressed her desire for a transparent and fair process, stating her confidence in achieving a victory in the elections.

While speaking to the media, Chatterjee emphasised the importance of conducting the vote counting effectively. She remarked, “The vote counting should be conducted properly. We hope that we will win.” This statement underlines her commitment to ensuring that the democratic process is upheld during the elections.

In a troubling development, Chatterjee raised issues related to Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips. These slips, which are crucial for verifying votes, were reportedly discovered discarded in the neighbouring Madhyamgram Assembly constituency. Chatterjee confirmed that the discarded VVPATs were linked to her campaign, leading her to officially request a re-poll due to these circumstances.

BJP’s Performance in West Bengal Elections

As the election results unfold, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reportedly crossed the majority threshold, indicating a significant political shift in West Bengal. The BJP is currently leading on 156 seats, while the ruling Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, is reportedly ahead in 86 seats. In addition, the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) is leading in one seat.

This election marks a pivotal moment as the BJP aims to establish its first-ever government in West Bengal, challenging the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress and the preceding 34 years of Communist governance. The expected victory of the BJP signifies a considerable change in the state’s political landscape.

West Bengal’s voter turnout has set a record, with Phase-II of the Assembly elections witnessing a remarkable 91.66 per cent participation. The first phase recorded an even higher turnout of 93.19 per cent, resulting in an overall polling percentage of 92.47 per cent across the elections. This high level of voter engagement reflects the population’s enthusiasm and commitment to democratic processes.

Past Election Context and Implications

In the previous West Bengal Assembly elections held in 2021, the Trinamool Congress, under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, secured a substantial victory, winning 213 out of 294 seats with a vote share of around 48 per cent. Meanwhile, the BJP emerged as the primary opposition party with 77 seats and approximately 38 per cent of the votes, demonstrating a notable increase in its electoral strength.

The Left-Congress alliance, however, did not manage to secure any seats during that election, indicating a decline in their influence within the state’s political dynamics. The ongoing election results are poised to reshape the political future of West Bengal, especially considering the high voter turnout and significant participation from the electorate.

The demand for re-polling raised by Chatterjee emphasises the critical nature of electoral integrity, especially when allegations regarding the mishandling of VVPAT slips arise. The political atmosphere in West Bengal remains charged as the results are still being processed, with stakeholders keenly observing the developments in these elections.

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