West Bengal witnessed an unprecedented surge in voter participation in the final phase of the 2026 Assembly elections, even as scattered clashes and allegations of irregularities surfaced across several districts. The day, widely seen as crucial in deciding the political future of the state, reflected both intense public engagement and persistent tensions on the ground.
According to Election Commission data, the state recorded its highest-ever voter turnout since Independence, with overall polling crossing 92% across two phases. The final phase alone saw turnout figures above 91%, underlining strong enthusiasm among voters despite a high-voltage political atmosphere.
From early morning, long queues were visible outside polling booths in Kolkata and multiple districts, including Nadia, Hooghly and South 24 Parganas. Women and first-time voters were seen participating in large numbers, contributing significantly to the record turnout. Political leaders across parties urged citizens to vote in large numbers, calling it a decisive moment for democracy.
However, the day was not without tension. Reports of clashes, stone-pelting and allegations of booth capturing emerged from pockets of the state. In high-profile constituencies like Bhabanipur, heated confrontations between party workers led to police intervention, including lathi-charge in some instances to control crowds.
Both the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused each other of electoral malpractices. BJP leaders alleged attacks on their polling agents and interference in voting, while TMC leaders countered with claims of provocation and misinformation. Complaints regarding malfunctioning EVMs and the presence of “dummy machines” outside booths also surfaced during the day.
The Election Commission acknowledged minor irregularities and indicated that repolling could be conducted in select booths if necessary. Security remained tight throughout the day, with thousands of central forces deployed to maintain order and ensure peaceful voting.
Despite sporadic violence, officials maintained that polling was largely peaceful and orderly. The massive turnout is being seen as a reflection of heightened political awareness and the high stakes involved in the election, which features a direct contest between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s TMC and the BJP.
As voting concludes, attention now shifts to counting day, with exit polls hinting at a close contest. The final verdict is expected to shape not only Bengal’s political landscape but also have wider implications for national politics.
