West Bengal Polls: Voter Turnout Nears 40% by 11 a.m. Amid Isolated Tensions

Kolkata, April 2026 : The second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 witnessed steady voter participation on Wednesday, with polling reaching 39.97 per cent in the first four hours till 11 a.m., according to official figures.

Although marginally lower than the 41.1 per cent recorded during the same period in the first phase held on April 23, the turnout remains significantly higher than the 28.10 per cent average seen during the early hours of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, indicating sustained voter engagement across constituencies.

District-wise data showed East Burdwan leading with the highest turnout at 44.50 per cent, followed by Hooghly at 43.12 per cent and Nadia at 40.34 per cent. Howrah recorded 39.45 per cent, while North 24 Parganas registered 38.43 per cent. The turnout in Kolkata was relatively lower, with Kolkata (Uttar) at 38.39 per cent and Kolkata (Dakshin) at 36.78 per cent. South 24 Parganas reported 37.92 per cent voting.

The polling process, however, was not entirely without incident. Sporadic tension was reported from the sensitive Bhangar constituency, where security remained heightened. A team from the National Investigation Agency visited the area in connection with ongoing investigations into recent incidents involving an explosion and recovery of crude bombs ahead of polling.

Political friction also surfaced in several areas. In Kanchrapara, a scuffle broke out involving a Trinamool Congress councillor and an Independent candidate over alleged violations of election norms near a polling booth. The situation was later brought under control by police.

In another development, a polling agent affiliated with the Trinamool Congress was detained in the Chapra Assembly constituency of Nadia district on allegations of attempting to influence voters. Central forces personnel deployed at the booth carried out the action.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party demanded repolling in the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas, citing alleged irregularities. The constituency has witnessed heightened tensions in recent days, including disputes between election officials and political candidates.

Adding to the political significance of the phase, Amit Shah reportedly contacted Suvendu Adhikari to enquire about the polling situation in the high-profile Bhabanipur constituency, where he is contesting against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Despite isolated incidents, polling continued under tight security arrangements, with authorities aiming to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral process across all 142 constituencies.