KOLKATA The political temperature in India’s eastern gateway reached a boiling point today as the West Bengal Election 2026 Phase 2 concluded with a massive voter turnout and unprecedented high-stakes drama. According to the latest data from the Election Commission of India (ECI), the state recorded a staggering 78.68% voter turnout till 3:00 PM, as citizens braved sporadic violence and technical glitches to cast their ballots in 142 crucial constituencies.
While the first phase laid the groundwork, the second round is being hailed as the ultimate “litmus test” for the Trinamool Congress (TMC). As the battle shifted to the party’s traditional fortresses in South Bengal and Kolkata, the day was defined by a face-to-face confrontation between the two biggest titans of Bengal politics: Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari.
1. The Bhabanipur Showdown: A Face-to-Face Faceoff
In a scene that looked more like a cinematic climax than a standard election day, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari converged at the exact same polling booth in Chakraberia, Bhabanipur.
Breaking her years-long tradition of staying at her Kalighat residence until the afternoon, Mamata Banerjee hit the ground before 8:00 AM. She was already seated outside the booth, investigating complaints of voter intimidation, when Adhikari’s convoy arrived under heavy CAPF protection.
The War of Words
The atmosphere turned electric as the two leaders traded sharp barbs:
Suvendu Adhikari’s Stance: “I will not allow any hooliganism. Mamata Banerjee is scared because her local police have been replaced by central forces. She will lose Bhabanipur by at least 30,000 votes.”
Mamata Banerjee’s Counter: “BJP is trying to rig this election using the CRPF and observers from outside. They are unleashing terror at night. Is this a democracy or a goonda raj?”
2. Voter Turnout: District-Wise Breakdown
Despite the tension, the spirit of democracy remained unshaken. The voter participation was remarkably high across the seven districts going to polls today.
| District | Turnout (till 3:00 PM) | Key Highlight |
| Hooghly | 64.57% | Topped the list; incidents of EVM glitches reported |
| Howrah | 60.68% | Massive lines seen in Bally and Liluah |
| North 24 Parganas | 59.12% | High-security monitoring in Panihati |
| South 24 Parganas | 61.45% | Drones used for surveillance in Bhangar |
| Kolkata | 55.30% | Urban centers saw a surge in the afternoon |
| Nadia | 62.10% | Reports of booth-level clashes |
| Purba Bardhaman | 63.40% | Peaceful polling in rural belts |
3. Allegations of EVM Tampering and Vandalism
The West Bengal Election 2026 Phase 2 was not without its share of technical and physical hurdles.
The “Tape” Controversy: BJP’s Amit Malviya triggered a massive row by sharing videos from Falta, alleging that TMC workers had placed adhesive tape over the BJP button on EVMs. The BJP has demanded an immediate repoll in all affected booths.
EVM Glitches in Bally: In Howrah’s Bally constituency, a malfunctioning EVM led to an agitated crowd. Central forces had to resort to a mild lathi-charge to restore order, resulting in two arrests.
Guns and Protests: In Panihati, the car of BJP candidate Ratna Debnath (mother of the RG Kar victim) was allegedly blocked by TMC workers. Meanwhile, in Jagaddal, the recovery of a firearm near a polling booth sent shockwaves through the local community.
4. Security and Surveillance: The “Bhangar” Model
Learning from past experiences, the Kolkata Police and Election Commission took extreme measures in sensitive zones like Bhangar. For the first time, a “Global Mesh” of drone surveillance was established.
Drone Monitoring: Senior officers monitored live feeds from high-risk areas to prevent “jamming” of booths.
CAPF Presence: Every polling station was guarded by at least four security personnel, with body cameras being used to record any instances of intimidation.
5. The Derek O’Brien Challenge
Adding a national flavor to the state elections, TMC MP Derek O’Brien issued a direct dare to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a video that went viral during the polling hours, Derek challenged the PM to resign if the TMC secures a majority on May 4.
“Narendra, you said you are the candidate for all 294 seats. Drop the big talk. When Mamata Banerjee wins Bengal again, have the courage to resign from the Prime Minister’s post.” — Derek O’Brien
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Bengal
As the curtains fall on the West Bengal Election 2026 Phase 2, the state holds its breath. This phase covered the most influential ministers of the TMC government, including Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas, and Bratya Basu.
While the BJP is banking on the “Suvendu factor” and the increased OBC reservation to break the TMC’s urban hold, Mamata Banerjee’s early morning ground-patrolling suggests she is leaving nothing to chance. The final verdict, set for May 4, will determine if the “Ma, Mati, Manush” slogan still holds power or if the saffron wave has finally breached the gates of South Bengal.