The second and final phase of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections concluded on Wednesday with a staggering voter turnout of nearly 92%. While the high participation was hailed as a historic democratic exercise, the day was marred by reports of sporadic clashes and serious allegations against central security forces.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), approximately 91.97% of the 3.21 crore eligible voters cast their ballots across 142 constituencies. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar praised the turnout, noting it as the highest recorded in the state since Independence.

Regional Turnout Highlights

Rural districts led the surge in participation, with Purba Bardhaman recording a peak of 93.48%. Other high-performing districts included:

South 24 Parganas: 91.73%
North 24 Parganas: 91.70%
Hooghly: 91.50%
Nadia: 91.45%
Howrah: 91.17%

Allegations of Misconduct and Violence

Despite the high numbers, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) launched a scathing attack on the conduct of the polls. Senior leader Abhishek Banerjee alleged that an elderly voter in Howrah died after being assaulted by central forces. Party officials further claimed that paramilitary personnel baton-charged women and children in South 24 Parganas.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, after casting her vote in Bhabanipur, accused the central forces of acting as a “private army” for the BJP. “The atrocities by the central forces are unprecedented,” she stated, claiming party agents were intimidated and driven out of booths.

In contrast, the BJP alleged that EVMs in several locations had been tampered with, claiming party symbols were obscured by ink or tape.

Official Response and Next Steps

West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal confirmed that the commission is investigating reports of EVM tampering. He noted that repolling would be ordered in any booth where such allegations are verified by district observers.

To ensure post-poll stability, the ECI has directed 700 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to remain stationed in the state to prevent retaliatory violence.

With the conclusion of this phase, the fate of 2,926 candidates is now locked in the EVMs. The final results for the 294-seat Assembly will be announced on May 4.

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