Srabanti, Prosenjit vote in West Bengal phase 2 polls, urge participation
Synopsis
Two of Bengal's most recognizable faces cast votes on Wednesday as the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections unfolded across 142 constituencies. While Srabanti and Prosenjit urged democratic participation, the election itself became a flashpoint — with voter intimidation allegations against the ruling Trinamool Congress in South 24 Parganas and an EVM button tampering incident in Falta now under ECI probe.
Key Takeaways
Actors Srabanti Chatterjee and Prosenjit Chatterjee voted on Wednesday during the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections .
Second phase polling across 142 constituencies recorded 61.11% voter turnout in the first six hours — marginally lower than the first phase's 62.18% .
East Burdwan district led with 66.80% polling percentage.
Villagers in Dakshin Basulnath alleged Trinamool Congress activists threatened them to vote or abstain; CRPF deployed to secure polling booths.
ECI ordered probe after EVM button beside BJP candidate's name was found covered with white tape in Falta .
Actors Srabanti Chatterjee and Prosenjit Chatterjee on Wednesday cast their votes during the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, using their platform to encourage citizens to exercise their democratic franchise. The polling covered 142 constituencies across multiple districts.
What the actors said
Srabanti Chatterjee told media: "I have come here with my family. Voting just concluded, and I feel good. This is the place where I grew up, so casting my vote here is special. I believe the public will decide." Prosenjit Chatterjee added: "The process is going very well. The system is functioning properly, and voting is smooth and peaceful. I am especially happy as this is my son's first time voting. Today, he got the right to cast his vote."
Polling percentage and turnout
The second phase recorded a 61.11% polling percentage in the first six hours till 1 p.m. on Wednesday — marginally lower than the 62.18% recorded during the same window in the first phase on 23 April across 152 constituencies. However, this figure substantially exceeds the 45.10% average recorded during the equivalent period in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
District-wise performance
East Burdwan led with 66.80% polling, followed by Hooghly at 64.57%, Nadia at 61.41%, Howrah at 60.68%, Kolkata (North) at 60.18%, North 24 Parganas at 59.20%, South 24 Parganas at 58.58%, and Kolkata (South) at 57.73%.
Poll-related incidents and enforcement
Although reports of poll-related violence and disruption emerged from certain areas, no casualties, major injuries, or large-scale voter intimidation were officially reported. The Election Commission of India (ECI) deployed 142 general observers and 95 police observers — up from 84 in the first phase — alongside central forces under strict surveillance. In Dakshin Basulnath village under Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas, villagers alleged that Trinamool Congress activists threatened them either to vote for the ruling party or abstain. A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) contingent led by an Inspector General-rank officer was deployed to escort voters to polling booths.
EVM irregularity under probe
In a separate incident at a booth in Falta, the EVM button beside the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate's name was found covered with white tape. The ECI has ordered a formal investigation into the matter, marking the second such irregularity flagged during the ongoing election cycle.
Point of View
The Election Commission's grip on electoral integrity remains contested. The narrative of a 'smooth and peaceful' process, as articulated by Prosenjit, sits uneasily alongside allegations of coercion and technical irregularities that demand urgent investigation.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did actors Srabanti and Prosenjit Chatterjee say about voting in West Bengal?
Srabanti Chatterjee said voting in her hometown was special and expressed faith in public judgment. Prosenjit Chatterjee praised the polling process as smooth and peaceful, and noted his son was voting for the first time.
What was the polling percentage in the second phase of West Bengal elections?
The second phase recorded 61.11% polling in the first six hours till 1 p.m. on Wednesday, marginally lower than the 62.18% recorded in the same window during the first phase on 23 April.
Which district recorded the highest polling percentage?
East Burdwan district led with 66.80% polling percentage, followed by Hooghly at 64.57%.
What voter intimidation allegations were made during phase 2 polling?
Villagers in Dakshin Basulnath village under Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas alleged that Trinamool Congress activists threatened them either to vote for the ruling party or abstain. CRPF was deployed to escort voters to polling booths.
What EVM irregularity was reported in Falta?
An EVM button beside the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate's name was found covered with white tape at a polling booth in Falta. The Election Commission of India ordered a formal investigation into the incident.
