The high-stakes battle for West Bengal intensified on Wednesday as voting for the second and final phase of the 2026 Assembly elections began across 142 constituencies. Polling started at 7 a.m. and is scheduled to continue till 6 p.m., with long queues of voters seen outside booths early in the morning across key districts including Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia, North and South 24 Parganas, and Purba Bardhaman.
This phase is crucial in determining the political future of the state, with more than 3.2 crore voters eligible to cast their ballots and over 1,400 candidates in the fray. The contest is particularly intense in south Bengal, traditionally considered a stronghold of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), but now witnessing a fierce challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
One of the most closely watched battles is in Bhabanipur, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is facing BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in a high-profile contest that has drawn national attention. Apart from this, several prominent leaders and candidates from multiple parties, including the Left and Congress, are contesting in what is largely a multi-cornered fight across constituencies.
To ensure free and fair elections, unprecedented security arrangements have been put in place. Over 2.3 lakh central armed police personnel, along with tens of thousands of state police, have been deployed across polling stations. The Election Commission has also identified around 12,000 polling booths as sensitive, leading to heightened surveillance and strict monitoring.
Authorities have enforced strict guidelines for voters, including mandatory identity verification and restrictions on carrying electronic devices inside polling booths. Officials have urged citizens to participate responsibly and maintain order during the voting process.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also appealed to voters, especially women and youth, to come out in large numbers and strengthen democracy through active participation.
With the first phase witnessing a record turnout, expectations are high for another strong voter response. Political analysts believe the outcome of this phase will play a decisive role in shaping the next government in West Bengal, making it one of the most closely watched electoral battles in the country.
