Kharge urges Bengal voters to resist 'forces undermining rights' in Phase 2
Synopsis
As West Bengal's Phase 2 polling covered 142 constituencies including Kolkata, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge issued a pointed appeal urging voters — especially youth — to resist intimidation and stand against forces undermining democratic rights. The high-stakes Bhabanipur seat, pitting Mamata Banerjee against Suvendu Adhikari, added sharp political theatre to the day.
Key Takeaways
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge appealed to West Bengal voters on 29 April to exercise their democratic rights without fear during Phase 2 polling.
Polling began at 7 am across 142 constituencies in six districts , including Kolkata .
Voter turnout stood at 18.39% by 9 am , with the Election Commission of India highlighting strong women's participation.
Kartik Banerjee , brother of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee , was cautioned by central forces near a polling station in Bhabanipur .
The Bhabanipur seat is a marquee contest between Mamata Banerjee and Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari .
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday, 29 April issued a strong appeal to West Bengal voters as the second phase of the state Assembly elections got underway, urging citizens to turn out in large numbers and exercise their democratic rights without fear. Kharge warned against forces he said were seeking to undermine voters' rights, calling on electors — especially first-time voters — to deliver a "befitting reply."
Kharge's Appeal to Bengal Voters
Taking to social media platform X, the Indian National Congress (INC) president wrote, "Today marks the second phase of polling in the West Bengal Assembly elections. I urge every voter to step out in large numbers and exercise your democratic right without fear or hesitation."
Kharge added, "Do not be influenced or intimidated by anyone. Vote for progressive values. Vote for development. Vote for harmony. Vote for amity. West Bengal has always led the way in driving meaningful change, and today is another such moment."
He specifically addressed young and first-time voters, stating, "This is the time to stand up against forces that seek to undermine your rights and give them a befitting reply. I especially appeal to young and first-time voters, your voice matters. Ensure that the spirit of true Democracy persists in West Bengal."
Phase 2 Polling: Key Details
Polling began at 7 am across 142 constituencies spanning six districts in West Bengal, including the state capital Kolkata. Early voter turnout was recorded at 18.39 per cent by 9 am, according to available data. The polling process began with mild tension reported in certain pockets from the very first hour.
This is the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, completing the statewide polling exercise across all constituencies.
Tension in Bhabanipur, a High-Stakes Constituency
The Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata — where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is locked in a direct contest with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari — witnessed early friction. Kartik Banerjee, the Chief Minister's brother, was reportedly cautioned by central forces for assembling near a police station with companions exceeding the permitted number. The high-profile nature of the Bhabanipur seat has made it one of the most closely watched constituencies in this election cycle.
Election Commission Highlights Women's Participation
The Election Commission of India (ECI) expressed optimism over voter participation in Phase 2, sharing multiple posts on X highlighting strong turnout — particularly among women and young electors. In one post, the ECI noted, "Early morning queues of our Women voters — enthusiasm at its peak in the festival of Democracy. Glimpses of women voters at a polling station in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal."
The ECI's emphasis on women's participation reflects a broader national trend of rising female voter engagement across state elections. With polling now underway across all phases, the final vote count will determine the political direction of one of India's most electorally significant states.
Point of View
Yet the subtext is unmistakable in a state where ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has faced repeated allegations of electoral violence and booth management. The Congress, a marginal force in Bengal electorally, is playing a narrative role here rather than a seat-winning one. More telling is the Bhabanipur flashpoint: Kartik Banerjee's cautioning by central forces on the very morning of polling, in the constituency his sister is contesting, is precisely the kind of incident that fuels opposition claims of incumbency overreach. Whether turnout translates into anti-incumbency or TMC consolidation will be the real verdict.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge say about West Bengal Phase 2 elections?
Kharge urged West Bengal voters to turn out in large numbers and exercise their democratic rights without fear, warning them to stand up against forces seeking to undermine those rights. He made a special appeal to young and first-time voters to ensure the spirit of democracy persists in the state.
How many constituencies voted in West Bengal Phase 2?
A total of 142 constituencies across six districts, including the state capital Kolkata, went to polls in Phase 2. Polling commenced at 7 am on 29 April.
What was the voter turnout in West Bengal Phase 2 by 9 am?
Voter turnout was recorded at 18.39 per cent by 9 am on polling day, according to available data. The Election Commission of India also highlighted strong early participation, particularly among women voters.
What happened in Bhabanipur during Phase 2 polling?
In the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata, Kartik Banerjee — brother of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee — was cautioned by central forces for gathering near a police station with more companions than permitted. Bhabanipur is a high-profile seat where Mamata Banerjee is contesting against Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.
Why is the West Bengal Phase 2 election significant?
Phase 2 completes the two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections, covering 142 constituencies including Kolkata. Key contests like Bhabanipur — pitting the Chief Minister against the Leader of Opposition — make it one of the most politically consequential polling days in the state's recent electoral history.
