West Bengal polls Phase 2: ECI flags high women, youth turnout across 142 seats
Synopsis
Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections saw strong early turnout, with the ECI publicly celebrating women and youth participation. But beneath the festive imagery, Bhabanipur and Rashbehari constituencies recorded early flashpoints — including a caution issued to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's brother and allegations of TMC workers blocking Congress booth agents.
Key Takeaways
Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections covered 142 constituencies across six districts on 29 April 2026 .
The ECI shared multiple posts on X celebrating strong participation by women and first-time voters .
Kartik Banerjee , brother of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee , was cautioned by central forces for gathering near a polling station in Bhabanipur with more persons than permitted.
In Rashbehari constituency, the Congress alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers prevented their booth agents from entering a polling booth.
Polling proceeded across the state despite isolated incidents, with authorities maintaining tight security.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, expressed strong optimism over voter participation in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, highlighting robust turnout — particularly among women and first-time young voters — across 142 constituencies spanning six districts, including state capital Kolkata. Polling commenced at 7 am and proceeded under tight security arrangements amid visible enthusiasm on the ground.
ECI Celebrates Women and Youth Participation
The poll body shared a series of posts on X throughout the morning, drawing attention to early queues at polling stations. In one post, the ECI wrote,
Point of View
But the incidents in Bhabanipur and Rashbehari are a reminder that Bengal elections rarely pass without friction. The cautioning of the Chief Minister's own brother in the first hour of polling is notable — it signals that central forces are willing to act regardless of political proximity. The Congress allegation of booth-agent obstruction, if substantiated, points to a persistent pattern of ground-level intimidation that post-poll analyses of Bengal elections have flagged repeatedly. High turnout numbers, while encouraging, do not automatically translate to free and fair polling; the quality of that participation is what the Commission's ground reports will ultimately need to account for.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many constituencies voted in Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026?
Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections covered 142 constituencies across six districts, including Kolkata, on 29 April 2026. Polling began at 7 am under tight security.
What did the ECI say about voter turnout in West Bengal Phase 2?
The Election Commission of India shared multiple posts on X highlighting strong early turnout, particularly among women and young first-time voters. It posted images of early morning queues at polling stations in North 24 Parganas and Kolkata South, among other locations.
Why was Kartik Banerjee cautioned during West Bengal polling?
Kartik Banerjee, brother of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was cautioned by central security forces in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency for gathering near a polling station with more persons than the permitted limit of four. He was advised to comply with polling regulations.
What allegations did Congress make during Phase 2 voting in West Bengal?
The Congress alleged that Trinamool Congress workers prevented their booth agents from entering a polling booth in the Rashbehari constituency in South Kolkata, calling the incident an act of hooliganism during the early hours of voting.
Which high-profile constituency is part of West Bengal Phase 2 elections?
Bhabanipur in South Kolkata is among the high-profile constituencies voting in Phase 2. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's constituency is closely watched, and her brother Kartik Banerjee was cautioned by central forces there during the early hours of polling.
