West Bengal witnessed a strong wave of democratic participation as approximately 78.68% voter turnout was recorded till 3 PM in the second and final phase of the 2026 Assembly Elections. The polling, spread across 142 constituencies in seven key districts including Kolkata, is being seen as a decisive battle that could shape the political future of the state.
High Voter Participation Signals Intense Electoral Battle
The impressive turnout reflects heightened political engagement among voters, with long queues observed at polling stations throughout the day. This phase includes crucial urban and semi-urban constituencies, making it pivotal in determining the final electoral outcome.
Over 3.2 crore voters are eligible in this phase
More than 1,400 candidates are in the fray
Voting began at 7 AM and continues till 6 PM.
The turnout trend indicates a continuation of high participation seen in Phase 1, underlining strong voter enthusiasm.
District-Wise Trends
Early trends show particularly strong participation in several districts:
Purba Bardhaman – leading with over 83% turnout
Hooghly – crossing 80%
Nadia & North 24 Parganas – close to 79%
Kolkata regions – relatively lower but steady participation
Urban turnout, especially in Kolkata, is traditionally slower but tends to pick up in later hours.
Security and Election Management
The Election Commission deployed extensive security arrangements to ensure smooth voting:
Over 2.3 lakh CAPF personnel deployed
Thousands of state police officers and observers monitoring polling
Webcasting and surveillance systems active across sensitive booths
Despite tight security, sporadic incidents of tension and political clashes were reported from certain constituencies, though polling largely remained uninterrupted.
Political Context and Stakes
This phase is critical as it covers politically sensitive regions where the contest between the ruling TMC and opposition BJP is at its peak. Key issues influencing voter sentiment include:
Allegations of corruption and governance
Anti-incumbency factors
Localized political tensions and campaign narratives
High-profile candidates, including the Chief Minister, are contesting in this phase, further raising the stakes.
National Attention and Voter Appeal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to vote in “record numbers,” emphasizing the importance of democratic participation, especially among youth and women voters.
The 78.68% turnout till 3 PM signals a robust democratic exercise in West Bengal, with voters turning out in large numbers despite political tensions. With polling still underway, final turnout figures could climb even higher, potentially influencing the outcome in this high-stakes electoral contest.
