Kumar Bahukhandi
BJP candidate for Bhabanipur and Nandigram constituencies, Suvendu Adhikari (PTI)
Kolkata: Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday April 29, 2026 appealed to voters to exercise their franchise in large numbers as polling for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections began.
Speaking to ANI, Adhikari urged citizens to turn out and vote, adding that “all Hindus are voting for the BJP.” He also visited polling stations in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency and offered prayers at a Hanuman temple in the area.
Adhikari is contesting against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the high-profile Bhabanipur seat, which she has held for the past 15 years.
The second and final phase of the 2026 Assembly elections commenced after extensive mock polls were conducted early in the morning. Election officials and polling agents gathered at various locations to verify the proper functioning of EVMs and VVPAT machines before voting began.
By 6:30 AM, long queues were seen outside polling stations, particularly in South 24 Parganas. Despite the expected heat, voters—including women and first-time participants—arrived early to cast their votes in what is being described as a highly significant and polarised election.
This phase is considered a “litmus test” for the ruling Trinamool Congress, as voting takes place in its traditional strongholds in South Bengal and Kolkata.
he scale of polling is substantial, with 142 out of 294 seats going to vote. Around 3.21 crore voters are eligible, and 1,448 candidates, including 220 women, are contesting across 41,001 polling stations. Over 8,000 of these booths are managed entirely by women.
Key constituencies drawing attention include Bhabanipur and Tollyganj, with intense multi-cornered contests expected in urban areas.
In the 2021 elections, the Trinamool Congress won 123 of these 142 seats. For the Bharatiya Janata Party, this phase is crucial to expand its base, while for the TMC, it is about retaining dominance and securing another term under Mamata Banerjee.
The first phase, held on April 23, recorded a turnout of 91.78%. The results of the West Bengal Assembly elections will be declared on May 4, along with results from Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.
( Source : ANI )
