Bengal Governor RN Ravi urges record turnout for final phase on April 29
Synopsis
With West Bengal's final election phase covering 142 constituencies — including the high-stakes Bhabanipur battle between Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari — Governor RN Ravi has made a pointed appeal for record turnout. Phase 1 already logged a historic 93.19% participation rate, setting a formidable benchmark for 29 April.
Key Takeaways
Governor RN Ravi appealed on 28 April for high voter turnout in the final phase of West Bengal Assembly elections on 29 April .
Polling will cover 142 constituencies in the second and final phase.
The high-profile Bhabanipur seat sees Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee contesting against BJP's Suvendu Adhikari .
Phase 1 on 23 April recorded a turnout of 93.19% across 152 constituencies — the highest ever in the state.
Vote counting is scheduled for 4 May .
Lok Bhavan's 24x7 Citizen Helpline will remain operational until 10 May .
West Bengal Governor RN Ravi on Tuesday, 28 April appealed to voters across the state to participate enthusiastically in the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, scheduled for Wednesday, 29 April. The appeal, issued through a statement shared by Lok Bhavan, West Bengal, specifically called on youth, women, and first-time electors to turn out in record numbers.
Governor's Appeal
In his statement, Governor Ravi described the election as a "festival of democracy" and stressed that every vote is crucial in shaping the future of West Bengal and strengthening democracy and the rule of law. He particularly singled out first-time voters and women as groups whose participation he wished to see increase. The statement was officially shared by Lok Bhavan, West Bengal.
Key Constituencies in the Final Phase
Polling will be held on 29 April across 142 constituencies in this final phase. Among the most closely watched seats is the high-profile Bhabanipur constituency, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari. The outcome of this seat is expected to carry significant political weight for both the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP.
Phase 1 Turnout Sets a High Bar
The first phase of polling, held on 23 April across 152 constituencies, recorded a voter turnout of 93.19 per cent — the highest ever recorded in the state. The benchmark has raised expectations for the final phase, with election observers watching whether the momentum can be sustained across the remaining 142 seats.
Citizen Helpline to Stay Operational
Lok Bhavan announced that a dedicated 24x7 Citizen Helpline, established to ensure free, fair, and fear-free conduct of the elections, will remain operational until 10 May. Citizens may reach the helpline at numbers including 033-2200-1022 through 033-2200-1036 (select lines), or via email at lokbhavanbengalhelpline@gmail.com. All representations, Lok Bhavan stated, will be handled with due sensitivity and utmost confidentiality.
What Comes Next
Vote counting for both phases of the West Bengal Assembly elections is scheduled for 4 May. The results will determine the composition of the next state government, with the Bhabanipur contest between Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari likely to be among the most scrutinised tallies of the day.
Point of View
Women, and first-time voters suggests that these segments underperformed expectations in Phase 1, despite its record 93.19% aggregate. The Bhabanipur contest is the real political centrepiece: a loss for Mamata Banerjee here would be constitutionally consequential, not merely symbolic. The Governor's visible activism around voter participation also reflects a broader tension between Raj Bhavan and the state government — one that has defined Bengal's political theatre for months. Whether the final phase matches or exceeds Phase 1's historic turnout will be the first data point in reading the state's political mood before counting day on 4 May.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the West Bengal Assembly election final phase date?
The second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is scheduled for 29 April, covering 142 constituencies across the state. Vote counting for both phases will be held on 4 May.
Who is contesting from the Bhabanipur seat in West Bengal elections?
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting from the Bhabanipur constituency, facing BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in what is considered the most high-profile contest of the election.
What was the voter turnout in Phase 1 of the West Bengal elections?
The first phase, held on 23 April across 152 constituencies, recorded a voter turnout of 93.19 per cent — the highest ever in the state's electoral history.
What is the Lok Bhavan Citizen Helpline for West Bengal elections?
Lok Bhavan has set up a 24x7 Citizen Helpline to assist voters and address concerns related to the ongoing Assembly election process. It will remain operational until 10 May and can be reached at numbers including 033-2200-1022 or via email at lokbhavanbengalhelpline@gmail.com.
Why did Governor RN Ravi appeal for voter turnout in West Bengal?
Governor RN Ravi issued the appeal to encourage enthusiastic participation in the final phase, particularly among youth, women, and first-time voters, emphasising that every vote is crucial in shaping the future of West Bengal and strengthening democracy and the rule of law.
