Bengal Phase 2 polls: Dilip Ghosh projects 85-90% turnout, BJP eyes change
Synopsis
BJP's Dilip Ghosh is projecting an extraordinary 85-90% voter turnout in West Bengal's Phase 2 polling — nearly 25 percentage points above historical Kolkata-area averages. With central forces deployed, the Election Commission on alert, and BJP candidates across constituencies urging peaceful participation, the party is framing this election as a moment of social transformation, not just a political contest.
Key Takeaways
West Bengal Phase 2 polls commenced on 29 April , with voters visible at booths from 7 am .
BJP's Dilip Ghosh projected turnout of 85-90% , up from the earlier 60-65% in Kolkata and nearby areas.
Central forces have been deployed across constituencies, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) closely monitoring their deployment.
BJP candidate Arjun Singh from Noapara reported a minor cable-severing incident at Booth No.
238 , which was resolved immediately.
BJP candidate Pawan Singh from Bhatpara cast his vote and urged large voter turnout, calling proceedings peaceful so far.
As the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections got underway on Wednesday, 29 April, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Kharagpur Sadar, Dilip Ghosh, expressed strong confidence in voter participation, projecting turnout to surge to 85-90 per cent — a sharp jump from the earlier 60-65 per cent recorded in Kolkata and surrounding areas. Crowds were visible at polling stations across constituencies from as early as 7 am.
Ghosh on Voter Turnout and Public Confidence
Speaking to reporters, Ghosh said,
Point of View
Not merely an observation. Historically, higher turnout in West Bengal has correlated with anti-incumbency waves, and the BJP is clearly betting on that pattern. The deployment of central forces — and the ECI's visible oversight — has become a recurring demand from opposition parties in Bengal, suggesting systemic trust deficits in state-administered polling. Whether the turnout materialises at those levels will be the first real data point on whether the BJP's ground narrative matches voter intent.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the West Bengal Phase 2 election about?
The second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections took place on 29 April, with polling beginning at 7 am across multiple constituencies. It follows the first phase and is being closely watched for voter turnout and law-and-order conditions.
What turnout did Dilip Ghosh predict for Phase 2?
BJP candidate Dilip Ghosh projected voter turnout of 85-90% for Phase 2, significantly higher than the 60-65% historically recorded in Kolkata and nearby areas. He attributed the expected rise to greater public preparedness and confidence in the electoral process.
Are central forces deployed for West Bengal Phase 2 polling?
Yes, central forces have been deployed across constituencies for Phase 2, as confirmed by Dilip Ghosh. The Election Commission of India is closely monitoring their deployment to ensure a transparent and fair voting process.
Were there any incidents reported during Phase 2 voting?
BJP candidate Arjun Singh from Noapara reported that a camera cable was severed at Booth No. 238, but said the issue was resolved immediately. Singh expressed hope that Phase 2 would remain as peaceful as Phase 1.
What did BJP candidates say about the election outcome?
BJP candidates across constituencies struck a confident tone. Dilip Ghosh framed the party's participation as part of a long-term social transformation mission, while Pawan Singh from Bhatpara and Arjun Singh from Noapara both urged voters to turn out in large numbers and highlighted the peaceful conduct of polling so far.
