West Bengal Assembly Elections Phase 2 LIVE: 39.97% Voter Turnout Recorded Till 11 AM, Tight Security in Place

Voting for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 is underway across 142 constituencies, with the Election Commission of India reporting a voter turnout of 39.97% till 11 a.m.

According to official data, 18.39% of over 3.21 crore voters had exercised their franchise in the first two hours of polling. Early trends showed strong participation across districts, with Purba Bardhaman recording the highest turnout at 20.86%, followed closely by Hooghly at 20.16%.

Other districts also reported steady participation—Nadia stood at 18.5%, North 24 Parganas at 17.81%, Kolkata Uttar at 17.28%, South 24 Parganas at 17.25%, and Kolkata Dakshin at 16.81%.

Elaborate security arrangements were put in place across polling stations, with district administrations deploying multiple officers of circle officer rank to ensure smooth conduct of elections. Heavy security presence was visible at sensitive booths, while polling agents and election officials carried out mandatory mock polls early in the morning to test EVMs and VVPAT systems.

From as early as 6:30 a.m., long queues were seen outside several polling stations, particularly in South 24 Parganas. Despite forecasts of rising temperatures, voters—especially women and first-time voters—turned out in large numbers to participate in what is being seen as a crucial and highly competitive phase of polling.

The second phase is considered politically significant as it covers key regions of South Bengal and Kolkata, often regarded as strongholds of the ruling Trinamool Congress. Political attention remains high as major constituencies go to polls under tight security.

The 142 seats spread across seven districts include North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Howrah, Kolkata, Hooghly, and Purba Bardhaman. Several prominent leaders are in the fray, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, both contesting from Bhabanipur. Other key candidates include senior ministers Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas, Shashi Panja, and Bratya Basu.

Polling continues through the day, with the Election Commission closely monitoring voter turnout, security, and compliance across all districts.