‘Revenge Voting’ Underway to Save Democracy, Says Mahua Moitra as Bengal Votes

New Delhi, April 2026 : Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday cast her vote in Karimpur during the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, asserting that voters were turning out in large numbers as part of what she termed “revenge voting” to safeguard democracy.

Speaking to reporters after voting, Moitra said there was strong public participation driven by a desire to protect democratic values. She expressed confidence that voter turnout would remain high, even among those whose names were allegedly missing from electoral rolls.

“This time, people are participating in a fight to save democracy,” she said, adding that voters were determined to make their voices heard. She further alleged that public dissatisfaction had been building over the past several months and was now being reflected in the voting pattern.

Moitra also levelled criticism at the Election Commission, claiming that it had misled the public in recent months. According to her, voters had already sent a message during the first phase of polling and were continuing the trend in the second phase.

Polling for the second and final phase began at 7 a.m. across 142 Assembly constituencies spread over six districts, including Kolkata. Voting commenced amid tight security arrangements, although reports of minor tension emerged from certain pockets early in the day.

One of the key battlegrounds is the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in south Kolkata, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is locked in a high-profile contest against Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. The constituency has drawn significant attention due to the stature of the candidates involved.

During the polling process, Mamata Banerjee’s brother, Kartik Banerjee, was cautioned by central security personnel for assembling near a police station with more individuals than permitted. Authorities reminded him of regulations restricting gatherings near polling stations to maintain order.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent Rashbehari constituency, tensions briefly flared following allegations that Trinamool Congress workers had obstructed Congress booth agents from entering a polling station. The Congress party accused ruling party activists of engaging in “hooliganism” during the early hours of voting.

Despite isolated incidents, polling continued across the state with voters lining up at booths, reflecting strong participation. Authorities have deployed extensive security forces to ensure peaceful voting and prevent disruptions.

With high stakes and intense political competition, the second phase of polling is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the West Bengal Assembly elections, as voters across key constituencies exercise their franchise.