West Bengal Phase 2 polls: Cancer patient votes, ECI flags strong turnout
Synopsis
A cancer patient casting her vote at Kolkata South's Rashbehari constituency became the defining image of West Bengal's Phase 2 elections — a moment the ECI amplified as polling unfolded across 142 seats in six districts, with women and first-time voters turning out in visible numbers.
Key Takeaways
The ECI highlighted a cancer patient voting at Polling Station No.
202, 160 Rashbehari AC, Kolkata South during Phase 2 of West Bengal Assembly elections .
Polling covered 142 constituencies across six districts , including state capital Kolkata , beginning at 7 am on 29 April .
The ECI reported strong early turnout, with notable participation by women voters in North 24 Parganas and young voters in Ballygunge AC .
Voting was conducted under tight security arrangements with authorities monitoring smooth conduct across all polling stations.
The West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 are being held in two phases , with Phase 2 closely watched as a crucial electoral round.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday, 29 April highlighted an emotional moment from the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, where a cancer patient cast her vote at Polling Station No. 202 in the 160 Rashbehari Assembly Constituency, Kolkata South, underscoring the resilience of voters across the state. Polling for 142 constituencies across six districts began at 7 am, with authorities reporting strong participation among women and young voters.
The Cancer Patient Who Voted
The ECI posted on X:
Point of View
But it also reflects how election bodies now compete for narrative attention on social media during polling days. The more substantive question — whether Phase 2 turnout in West Bengal translates into meaningful shifts in the state's entrenched political geography — will only be answered when results come in. Bengal's elections have historically been marked by booth-level tensions; the emphasis on 'tight security' in official communications is not incidental.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026?
Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections took place on 29 April 2026, covering 142 constituencies across six districts including Kolkata. The ECI reported strong voter turnout, with notable participation from women and young voters, and highlighted a cancer patient who cast her vote at Polling Station No. 202 in Rashbehari Assembly Constituency, Kolkata South.
How many constituencies voted in Phase 2 of the West Bengal elections?
A total of 142 constituencies across six districts of West Bengal went to the polls in Phase 2 on 29 April 2026. The districts included the state capital Kolkata, among others.
Why did the ECI highlight the cancer patient voting in West Bengal?
The Election Commission of India shared the moment to underscore voter resilience and encourage participation in the democratic process. The post on X described it as an 'Indomitable Spirit,' drawing attention to the woman who voted at Rashbehari AC despite battling cancer.
Which areas showed strong women voter turnout in West Bengal Phase 2?
The ECI specifically highlighted early morning queues of women voters at polling stations in North 24 Parganas as an example of strong female participation during Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026.
When did polling begin for Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections?
Polling for Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections began at 7 am on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, and was conducted under tight security arrangements across all 142 constituencies.
