West Bengal Assembly Elections Phase 2: 63.9% Voter Turnout by 2:30 PM Amid Clashes, High-Stakes Battle in Bhabanipu

Polling for the second and decisive phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is underway across 142 constituencies spread over seven districts, with a mix of strong voter participation and troubling reports of violence casting a shadow over the democratic exercise.

By 2:30 PM, the voter turnout has climbed to around 63.9%, a noticeable rise from 61.11% recorded at 1 PM, reflecting steady participation despite a tense atmosphere in several pockets.

A Day of Voting, Marked by Energy and Unease

From early morning, long queues were seen outside polling booths in districts like North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, and Kolkata. Many voters, including elderly citizens and first-time voters, turned up determined to cast their ballots.

However, this enthusiasm has been accompanied by scattered incidents of unrest.

• In Nadia, a BJP polling agent was reportedly injured in an alleged attack by workers of the All India Trinamool Congress.
• The mother of the RG Kar rape and murder victim, now contesting as a BJP candidate, has also alleged that she was attacked while campaigning.
• Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has accused the ruling party of intimidating voters using administrative machinery.
• The Trinamool Congress has strongly denied these claims and instead accused the BJP of misusing central agencies to influence voters.

Security forces, including central paramilitary units, have been deployed in large numbers in sensitive areas. Reports suggest quick-response teams and drone surveillance are being used in some constituencies to prevent escalation.

Why This Phase Matters So Much

This phase covers some of the most politically crucial districts:

• Kolkata – 11 seats
• North 24 Parganas – 33 seats
• South 24 Parganas – 31 seats
• Nadia – 17 seats
• Howrah – 16 seats
• Hooghly – 18 seats
• Purba Bardhaman – 16 seats

Among these, all eyes are on Bhabanipur, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faces off against BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.

This contest is more than just another seat—it carries the weight of political rivalry dating back to the 2021 Nandigram election, when Adhikari defeated Banerjee in a dramatic showdown.

Electoral Roll Controversy Adds to Tensions

Just a day before polling, 1,468 names were restored to the electoral roll, pushing the total number of eligible voters in this phase to 3.22 crore.

The issue stems from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), during which nearly 27.10 lakh names were initially marked for deletion due to “logical discrepancies.”

This triggered a major political debate, with opposition parties raising concerns over voter disenfranchisement, making it one of the most sensitive issues of this election cycle.

Ground Situation: Controlled, But Volatile

While large-scale disruption has been avoided so far, the situation remains fragile in certain areas:

• Minor clashes and heated arguments were reported near polling stations
• Allegations of booth-level intimidation in some districts
• Increased presence of security personnel in identified “sensitive booths”
• Election officials are closely monitoring turnout and incidents in real time

Despite these challenges, polling continues, and authorities maintain that the situation is largely under control.

What Happens Next

The counting of votes for West Bengal, along with states like Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, is scheduled for May 4—a day expected to shape the political direction of the region.

The Bigger Picture

This phase is not just about numbers—it reflects a larger narrative of political rivalry, public participation, and the resilience of democracy under pressure.

As voters continue to step out amid tension and uncertainty, one thing is clear: the outcome of these 142 seats could redefine the political landscape of West Bengal.