Assembly Election 2026 Live Updates: 'Will receive good news' -MK Stalin confident of return to power ahead of poll results

Security has been tightened outside the strong room at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata ahead of vote counting scheduled for May 4.

The development comes following allegations raised by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in "active collusion" with the Election Commission of India (ECI), is attempting to open ballot boxes without the presence of relevant party stakeholders.

The development comes following allegations raised by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in "active collusion" with the Election Commission of India (ECI), is attempting to open ballot boxes without the presence of relevant party stakeholders.

Senior TMC leaders, including West Bengal minister and Shyampukur assembly constituency candidate Shashi Panja and Belghata constituency candidate Kunal Ghosh, staged a sit-in protest in front of the strong room outside Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata. The protest was held over allegations that EVM and VVPAT boxes were being accessed without the presence of authorised representatives of political parties.

Speaking to ANI, Ghosh on Thursday alleged that some individuals were tampering with postal ballots inside the strong room, claiming that no TMC representatives were allowed inside and that the activity was visible on CCTV surveillance.

Tamil Nadu chief minister on Friday M K Stalin, expressed strong confidence in a favourable electoral outcome on May 4, attributing it to party workers' efforts, while addressing a May Day event in Chennai.

Speaking at the celebrations at the May Day Park in Chinthadripet, Chennai, the chief minister stated that his government is functioning with the policy of 'Everything for Everyone' and reiterated his commitment to follow in the footsteps of his father, late DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi, who had personally overseen the creation of the May Day Memorial Park and monument.

"On the 4th, the results of the election will be out, and I believe you will receive good news. In this situation, I want to say that we are running the government with the policy of 'Everything for Everyone.' This May Day Memorial Park and the monument were created by Thalaivar Kalaignar. He visited this place several times to personally oversee its construction. This shows how much he valued workers and their rights. Following his footsteps, we will all work together with the same spirit," Stalin said.

The incumbent CM expressed faith in the work put in by his party cadre and said that they would reap the fruits of their labour on May 4.

"Wages for work is the right of a worker. Similarly, the fruit of the hard work of our party workers in this election will be known on the upcoming 4th. There is no change in that, not even a bit. I am not saying this based on any opinion polls, but because I understand the feelings of our party workers," he said.

The Chief Minister also reiterated the importance of safeguarding labour rights and ensuring fair wages, stating that May Day symbolises dignity, value and rights of workers.

North Kolkata District Election Officer (DEO) Smita Pandey detailed the statutory process being followed for handling postal ballots, emphasising that strict procedures are in place to ensure proper segregation and security in line with election norms.

While speaking to ANI on Thursday, DEO Smita Pandey said, "We have a statutory process in place to segregate postal ballots. So, basically, during the training, we have given our polling personnel votes at the facilitation centre. These votes could be from another district, another assembly constituency. This work is being done across the state today," Pandey said.

She further clarified that the process is being carried out in a controlled and secure environment, with election staff stationed outside designated areas to maintain protocol and prevent any unauthorised access.

"Our people are sitting in the corridor. The EVM strong room is closed; it is sealed," she stated.

Pandey also highlighted that the separation between electronic voting machines and postal ballots, noting that each is handled independently as per election protocols laid down by the Election Commission of India (ECI)

"The EVM room is separate. The strong room for postal ballots is separate, and we have to remove them and segregate them," she added.

The Calcutta high court on Thursday rejected a TMC plea challenging the Election Commission of India's directive to deploy central government and PSU employees for vote counting in the West Bengal assembly polls.

The Court upheld the validity of the decision requiring Central Govt/PSU employees to count as supervisors/assistants, and the writ petition was dismissed.

HC, in its observations, held that such appointments are within ECI's discretion and not illegal. The Court rejected apprehension that Central Govt. staff would act under political influence. Allegations were mere apprehensions without evidence.

Any grievance can be raised via an election petition (Section 100, RP Act, 1951), the court observed.

Welcoming the dismissal of the plea, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal told ANI, "The writ petition has been dismissed. We have received a copy. No political party can decide who has to be included and who is not to be included. It is the discretion of the Returning Officer; he/she can include whoever he/she wants in counting or the entire election process."

Earlier, West Bengal chief minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday, alleged that "observers from outside" and police officers unfamiliar with Bengal were being deployed in a manner that was targeting Trinamool Congress workers during the ongoing phase two of Assembly polling.

She alleged that her party's youth block president was arrested in the morning, prompting her visit to Chetla, while also claiming that CRPF personnel had entered a TMC councillor's residence late at night without local police and assaulted family members.

The Election Commission has rolled out a QR code-based verification system to regulate entry into counting halls on May 4, when results will be declared.

Under the new system, access will be granted only after successful QR code scanning at the innermost security layer. The move is part of a three-tier security mechanism, where photo ID cards issued by returning officers will be manually checked at the first two levels.

Officials said new QR code-enabled photo IDs will be issued to all authorised personnel, covering different categories allowed inside counting centres.

The EC added that the system will be extended to all future Lok Sabha and state or Union Territory assembly elections, aiming to strengthen security and streamline identity verification.

With just a few days left for counting in the West Bengal Assembly elections, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday night visited the Bhabanipur strong room in Kolkata, raising concerns over alleged tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Banerjee, who is contesting against Suvendu Adhikari, claimed her party had received reports of “manipulation” in several parts of the state. “There is a strong room here for EVMs. We found that in many places, manipulation is taking place… When I saw the CCTV on TV, I thought I should also go and see it,” she said.

A BJP worker in Kolkata accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of trying to “loot votes” and creating a “vote theft narrative” amid the strong room controversy.

He alleged that party workers were beaten and claimed there was a conspiracy involving the police. “The police say they don’t know how the car was parked… I have video evidence that the police have parked the car,” he said.

Questioning the CM’s visit, the worker asked, “Why did she come today?” as tensions escalate between political parties over allegations of irregularities ahead of counting.

North Kolkata District Election Officer Smita Pandey said a statutory process is underway to segregate postal ballots across the state ahead of counting.

She explained that polling personnel cast votes at facilitation centres, which may belong to different districts or constituencies, requiring careful sorting.

Pandey clarified that EVM strong rooms remain sealed and separate from postal ballot storage areas. “The EVM room is closed and sealed… the strong room for postal ballots is separate, and we have to remove them and segregate them,” she said.

Officials are currently stationed outside as the process continues under strict protocol.

Responding to calls by TMC chief Mamata Banerjee for party workers to guard strong rooms, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said robust security measures are in place.

He stated that every counting centre will have three-layer security, ensuring “no chance of any problematic situation.”

Agarwal also issued a stern warning, saying strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to breach security until the results are declared.

TMC candidate Madan Mitra hit out at the Election Commission amid the ongoing controversy over strong rooms, saying the poll body “doesn’t understand the people of Bengal.”

His remarks come as tensions escalate between the ruling party and election authorities over alleged irregularities and access to EVM strong rooms ahead of counting.

Amid the ongoing row over access to EVM strong rooms, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said authorities are fully prepared for vote counting.

He emphasised that all procedures will be followed strictly, seeking to reassure stakeholders over the integrity of the process.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee alleged “manipulations” in EVM strong rooms and said she was briefly restricted by central forces during her visit to a facility in south Kolkata.

Speaking outside the strong room at Shekhawat Memorial School, Banerjee said she decided to visit after seeing reports on television. “I have a right to go… as per election rules, candidates are allowed till outside the sealed room,” she said, adding that she was later permitted entry to the designated area.

The Trinamool Congress chief warned that her party would challenge any irregularities. “If there is a manipulation, we will fight,” she asserted.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the Bhabanipur strong room in Kolkata.

"What happened today is a mistake of the EC. It was decided that after today, nobody will break open the seal of strong room and go inside without informing officially. This was the first decision. What happened today was wrong. More CCTV cameras are needed there, they have agreed. It should reflect on screen. We have told them about our observations. The dharna has been called off...Our team will monitor everything. This is our right and we will do everything legally. We do not intent to do anything illegally. We opposed when they were doing something illegal. We have one question, they have broken open the seal of strong room without intimating and we were opposing it, why is the BJP so troubled?...This means that had malicious intentions," he said.

TMC stages sit-in outside EVM strongroom in Kolkata

TMC leaders Shashi Panja and Kunal Ghosh staged a dharna in front of the strong room outside Netaji Indoor Stadium, alleging irregularities in the handling of election materials.

The leaders alleged that attempts were being made by BJP and Election Commission officials to open ballot boxes without the presence of authorised party representatives.

Kunal Ghosh said, “You can see on the Election Commission’s livestreaming and CCTV that a few people are working inside, but none of our representatives is present. They are not allowing us inside and are asking us to speak with other candidates. Why should we take responsibility for other candidates?”

Shashi Panja said, “We are concerned. There should be no manipulation. Why are we not being shown all of that?”

Union Minister of State Nityanand Rai on Wednesday asserted that BJP is forming the government in West Bengal, claiming that people of the state have trusted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"BJP is forming the Govt in Bengal. People of West Bengal have trusted PM Narendra Modi. BJP will definitely form the Govt there with a thumping majority," Rai said in Amastipur, Bihar.

He also attacked the Mamata Banerjee government over the previous elections. "In the last elections, Mamata Banerjee's goons stopped voters and didn't let them go to vote. Several people were killed. When Mamata Banerjee Govt was formed, TMC goons unleashed atrocities... A massacre occurred there. Democracy was murdered there and people were not allowed to vote," Rai said.

He thanked the Election Commission for facilitating "free and transparent elections in West Bengal this time."

Vellore District Collector Subbulaxmi conducted training for 363 officials ahead of counting for the 2026 Assembly elections.

BJD MLA Dibyashankar Mishra on Wednesday backed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's allegation that CRPF officials are being misused in elections for the BJP's benefit.

"When someone is determined to misuse power, what else can be expected? Soon, the nation will realise the truth. I stand with Mamata Banerjee, who is firmly opposing what is wrong in West Bengal," Mishra said.

V Sivadasan Dasu, a leader of the All India Trinamool Congress and serving as its State Secretary in West Bengal, criticised exit polls, claiming they have historically failed to capture the party's actual performance in the state.

Paschim Bardhaman (West Bengal), [India], April 30 (ANI): V Sivadasan Dasu, All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) leader and the party's State Secretary in West Bengal, has rejected certain exit poll predictions giving an edge to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming they have historically failed to capture the party's actual performance in the state.

Speaking to ANI, Dasu said, "Exit polls' calculations never match the reality in West Bengal. And as for the exit polls shown so far regarding the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal... In 2021, ABP News showed 152 for TMC, Chanakya showed 169, TV9 showed 142, and India Today showed 130. Various other channels also didn't show a majority for Trinamool Congress in '21."

Most exit polls have predicted a BJP ousting the AITC in West Bengal, which has been in power for the last 15 years. Chanakya Strategies projected the BJP winning 150-160 seats in 294 West Bengal assembly and getting a majority of its own. It said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) would win 30-40 seats and others six to 10 seats.

Drawing on his decades-long political experience, he expressed confidence in the party's prospects.


"I want to tell you, based on my experience since 1987 of working in elections, up until this election that ended four days ago, I am telling you from my side that Trinamool Congress is coming to power with more than 200 seats," Dasu said.


He further referred to projections for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, stating, "Even in the '24 elections, look at the predictions for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections: ABP showed 13 to 17 (seats), India Today showed 11 to 14, NDTV showed 16 to 18, Chanakya showed 17, Republic showed 16, and Times showed 20. These calculations are never found to be accurate in West Bengal."

Dasu alleged that exit polls have consistently underestimated the party.

"In 2021, they showed the BJP coming to power, giving Trinamool only 115-120 seats. However, in all three elections, Trinamool Congress achieved a record-breaking victory and came to power with a two-thirds majority," he said.

He concluded, saying, "Exit poll results in West Bengal have never been in favour of Trinamool; they have always shown anti-Trinamool results."

West Bengal has achieved its highest voter turnout since independence, reaching a historic 91.66 per cent during Phase II of the elections. However, the polling day also witnessed high political tensions between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the deployment of security forces in the state.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), poll participation in West Bengal (Phase-II) stood at 91.66 per cent till 7:45 PM. In phase I of the elections on April 23, the poll participation was 93.19 per cent, resulting in a staggering combined poll percentage over the two phases at 92.47 per cent."The combined poll percentage over the two phases stands at 92.47%. Previously, the highest poll-participation in WB was 84.72% (2011 GELA), " a release from the ECI said.

The voter turnout was high across the board, with female voters leading at 92.28 per cent and male voters not far behind at 91.07 per cent.

ECI said that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners SS Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, kept a close watch on the polling through live-webcasting, which was ensured in 100% of the Polling Stations in West Bengal (Phase-II) as well.

The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

As exit polls for the West Bengal Assembly elections sparked political reactions, Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leader Ram Kripal Yadav on Thursday said that the party will win with a two-thirds majority, and the lotus will bloom in Bengal.

Speaking to ANI, Yadav said, "In Assam, our government will be formed again, and a change in Bengal is certain. It's just a matter of a few days. The people's mandate will be respected. Their (Mamata Banerjee's) government will not be formed; the BJP will win with a two-thirds majority, and the lotus will bloom in Bengal."

The comments came after most exit polls on Wednesday predicted that the BJP is poised to win West Bengal and oust the Trinamool Congress, which has been in power for the last 15 years.

Chanakya Strategies projected the BJP winning 150-160 seats in 294 West Bengal assembly and getting a majority of its own. It said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) would win 30-40 seats and others six to 10 seats.

Matrize predicted BJP getting 146-161 seats in West Bengal, TMC 125-140 seats and others 6-10 seats.JVC projected that the BJP would get 138-159 seats, the Trinamool Congress 131-152 seats, Congress 0-2 seats, Left parties 0-1 seat and others 0-1 seat. P-Marq exit poll projected 150-175 seats for BJP, 118-138 for Trinamool Congress and 2-6 for others.

People Pulse projected 95-100 seats for BJP, 177-187 seats for Trinamool Congress, 1-3 seats for Congress and 0-1 seat for Left parties.

Poll Diary exit poll projected 142-147 seats for BJP, 99-127 for Trinamool Congress, 3-5 for Congress, 2-3 for Left parties and 0-1 for others.

The polling percentage in the second phase of elections for 142 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal on April 29 has been recorded at 92.47 till midnight, thus taking the overall average percentage in the two phases to a record high of 92.85.

However, as clarified by insiders from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, on Thursday morning, neither of these figures is final as tabulation will be available later in the day.

The polling percentage figure in the second phase of polls till midnight Wednesday is marginally lower than the figure of 92.88 till midnight of April 23, when the first phase of polls for 152 Assembly constituencies took place.

Nationally, the previous record of the highest polling percentage was recorded in Tripura in 2013, when the figure was recorded at 91.82 per cent.

The average polling percentage in the two phases at 92.85 is also a record high in West Bengal.

In West Bengal, the previous record of polling percentage was in the 2011 Assembly elections, the year which marked the end of the previous 34-year Left Front regime in the state and the beginning of the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime.

In the six-phase 2011 West Bengal Assembly polls, the average polling percentage was the highest in 15 years at 84.33 per cent, till it was broken this time.

Incidentally, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, has already congratulated the people of West Bengal for participating in the polling process in record numbers in both phases, first on April 23 and then on Wednesday.

“Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal in both Phase I & II since Independence - ECI congratulates each voter of West Bengal on this historic feat," a statement issued by the Election Commission of India, quoting Kumar, had read.

“One major reason behind the high polling percentage was that the polling was conducted after the deduction of absent, missing, shifted and duplicate voters from the voters' list. In simple terms and to put it lightly, the polling this time was done with a voters’ list of pure milk minus the dilution by mixing water,” the CEO’s office insider said.

V Sivadasan Dasu, All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) leader and the party's State Secretary in West Bengal, has rejected certain exit poll predictions giving an edge to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming they have historically failed to capture the party's actual performance in the state.


Speaking to ANI, Dasu said, "Exit polls' calculations never match the reality in West Bengal. And as for the exit polls shown so far regarding the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal... In 2021, ABP News showed 152 for TMC, Chanakya showed 169, TV9 showed 142, and India Today showed 130. Various other channels also didn't show a majority for Trinamool Congress in '21."


Most exit polls have predicted a BJP ousting the AITC in West Bengal, which has been in power for the last 15 years. Chanakya Strategies projected the BJP winning 150-160 seats in 294 West Bengal assembly and getting a majority of its own. It said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) would win 30-40 seats and others six to 10 seats.


Drawing on his decades-long political experience, he expressed confidence in the party's prospects.


"I want to tell you, based on my experience since 1987 of working in elections, up until this election that ended four days ago, I am telling you from my side that Trinamool Congress is coming to power with more than 200 seats," Dasu said.


He further referred to projections for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, stating, "Even in the '24 elections, look at the predictions for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections: ABP showed 13 to 17 (seats), India Today showed 11 to 14, NDTV showed 16 to 18, Chanakya showed 17, Republic showed 16, and Times showed 20. These calculations are never found to be accurate in West Bengal."


Dasu alleged that exit polls have consistently underestimated the party.


"In 2021, they showed the BJP coming to power, giving Trinamool only 115-120 seats. However, in all three elections, Trinamool Congress achieved a record-breaking victory and came to power with a two-thirds majority," he said.


He concluded, saying, "Exit poll results in West Bengal have never been in favour of Trinamool; they have always shown anti-Trinamool results."


West Bengal has achieved its highest voter turnout since independence, reaching a historic 91.66 per cent during Phase II of the elections. However, the polling day also witnessed high political tensions between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the deployment of security forces in the state.


According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), poll participation in West Bengal (Phase-II) stood at 91.66 per cent till 7:45 PM. In phase I of the elections on April 23, the poll participation was 93.19 per cent, resulting in a staggering combined poll percentage over the two phases at 92.47 per cent."The combined poll percentage over the two phases stands at 92.47%. Previously, the highest poll-participation in WB was 84.72% (2011 GELA), " a release from the ECI said.


The voter turnout was high across the board, with female voters leading at 92.28 per cent and male voters not far behind at 91.07 per cent.


ECI said that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners SS Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, kept a close watch on the polling through live-webcasting, which was ensured in 100% of the Polling Stations in West Bengal (Phase-II) as well.

The Election Commission has initiated a probe into allegations of EVM tampering in West Bengal after receiving 77 complaints, officials said on Thursday.

The complaints, submitted from multiple districts, allege irregularities in the handling and functioning of electronic voting machines. Sources said the Commission has sought detailed reports from state election authorities and directed officials to verify each complaint.

The EC has also asked for CCTV footage, polling station records and machine logs to examine whether any procedural lapses or technical issues occurred during the voting process.

As four states across India are set to count votes on May 4 to elect a new government, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Shehzad Poonawalla on Thursday said that the election results would reflect the triumph of democracy. Poonawalla asserted that this time polls were largely peaceful compared to previous elections in West Bengal, crediting the deployment of central forces.

Citing exit polls, the BJP leader expressed confidence in the NDA's performance across states.

"The election results will come on May 4. Democracy has triumphed. Violence was witnessed in every election in West Bengal. Earlier, many people would lose their lives," Poonawalla told ANI.

He added, "The exit polls are showing the right direction that the NDA's lotus is blooming everywhere. We are making a comeback for the third time in Assam. We are coming back to power in Tamil Nadu in alliance with AIADMK. We are returning to Puducherry, and a change in Bengal is certain."

He further stated that incidents of violence in the current elections were "negligible" and credited the Election Commission and central agencies for ensuring peaceful polling.

"This time, the elections that have taken place have mostly been conducted peacefully, and incidents have been negligible. For this, we must thank the Election Commission and the central agencies," he added.

Exit polls on Wednesday projected that the BJP-led NDA was poised to win Assam and the Congress-led UDF Keralam with some surveys also stating that the BJP is on its way to form its first government in West Bengal.

The surveys predicted that the DMK-led alliance would again return to power in Tamil Nadu, but Axis My India projected that actor-turned politician Vijay's TVK is set for a blockbuster performance in the southern state and is poised to get as much vote share as DMK in its debut election.

In Puducherry, the exit polls projected the NR Congress-led alliance returning to power. Exit poll numbers projected an interesting tussle in West Bengal, with the BJP ahead in most of the projections.

Adhikari’s booth visits took him across the constituency — from Jadu Babu’s Bazar to Heysham Road, from Hungerford Street to Park Street. In front of a Park Street booth, he said he was in touch with Union home minister Amit Shah. “He called me. I told him we are confident of victory,” Adhikari said.

Banerjee, too, kept moving — her convoy snaking through Chakraberia, Shakespeare Sarani, Lord Sinha Road and Beltala. Around 11.30 am, Banerjee returned home for a couple of hours. Soon after, Adhikari reached Mitra Institution, where the CM would cast her vote later in the day. Simmering tension boiled over at the school as TMC supporters chanted “Joy Bangla” when Adhikari was interacting with voters. He reacted angrily and moved away, but slogan-shouting TMC supporters kept trailing him.

Adhikari later alleged that a mob surrounded him in front of Jai Hind Bhawan in Kalighat and shouted slogans calling him a thief. He climbed on the front footrest of his vehicle and made calls, asking for additional security. Within minutes, central force personnel moved in and Adhikari was seen running and chasing TMC supporters. The personnel dispersed the crowd and a few men standing nearby were beaten up in the chaos. “They are outsiders. I called QRT to drive them away,” Adhikari shouted before leaving.

Ward 73 councillor and Banerjee’s sister-in-law Kajari Banerjee accused Adhikari of provocation. “He raised ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans, to which our supporters reacted. Central forces mercilessly beat them up,” she said.

The CM told reporters before casting her vote at Mitra Institution, “I have been contesting elections since 1984. Ihave never seen anything like this.”

Yet, amid the hostility, there were flashes of unexpected ease. At Jadu Babu’s Bazar, Adhikari was seen having a casual exchange with TMC workers. He even took a sip from a soft drink offered by one of them. “I know Bhowanipore well,” he said. “In 2011, I campaigned here with Mamata Banerjee. This time, however, this place is voting for us.”

Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Bhowanipore candidate, Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday levelled serious charges against central forces and poll observers, accusing them of carrying out “atrocities” across the state since the night before polling and attempting to influence the electoral process.

“I have been contesting elections since 1984. But I have never seen so much atrocities,” she said.

Claiming she remained awake through the night tracking developments, Banerjee said multiple observers and cops brought in from outside the state were pressuring local authorities and targeting Trinamool workers. “I was awake all night. Multiple observers and policemen from outside states are conducting atrocities. The observers are entering police stations and creating pressure on cops to arrest our party workers and agents,” she said.

She alleged that her party’s youth block president in Chetla was detained early Wednesday. “I went to Chetla. I didn’t go to the PS but Firhad Hakim ensured he was released,” she added.
Banerjee claimed that central forces visited ward 70 councillor Asim Bose’s house around 2 am and threatened his family. According to her, Bose’s wife was alone with their child when personnel allegedly entered, snatched her phone and warned her against allowing Bose to engage in poll activities. She also displayed a photo of an injured worker, alleging that several Trinamool supporters had been assaulted.

Describing the situation as “an atrocious election”, Banerjee accused the CRPF of overstepping its mandate.

She alleged that booths were under control of forces and that her party agents were being forced out in Hooghly, Canning. Banerjee said women and kids were subjected to lathicharge. She added some cops at Kalighat and Chetla were acting under BJP’s instructions. She alleged “direct interference” from PM Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah. “There are instructions from above.”

“But victory is near. Trinamool is winning by 2/3rd majority,” she said after casting vote. Abhishek Banerjee, TMC national general secretary, called central forces BJP’s “private army” and “a gang of licensed thugs unleashed on people of Bengal”.

Kolkata : Bhowanipore, long known for its quiet polling days and indifferent turnout among its affluent voters, witnessed an unusually charged election on Wednesday, as high drama, heavy security presence and an energised electorate reshaped the constituency’s voting culture.

The upscale pockets of the VIP seat — home to upperand upper-middle-class residents who traditionally treated polling day as a low-stakes civic exercise — saw serpentine queues, determined voters and an intensity rarely associated with the constituency.

The shift was underscored by a record turnout of 86.6% till 9 pm, a dramatic jump from 57.5% in the 2021 bypoll, when CM Mamata Banerjee secured a thumping victory margin of nearly 59,000 votes. Earlier elections recorded significantly lower participation, with turnout at 66.8% in 2016 and 44.7% in the 2011 bypoll.

Residents attributed the surge not just to heightened political stakes but also to an unprecedented on-ground presence of top netas. For the first time in recent memory, Banerjee conducted booth visits, even camping on the streets, while BJP challenger Suvendu Adhikari mirrored the aggression with his own rounds, leading to confrontations with Trinamool supporters and a visibly tense atmosphere.

“Bhowanipore voted very differently this year,” said Debasis Guha Niyogi, who arrived at a booth in St Xavier’s College with his family. “Earlier, people skipped voting for trivial reasons — heat, rain or queues. This time, we waited for the rain to stop and came out to cast vote.”

For many, the spectacle unfolding on TV screens translated into a sense of urgency on ground. “CM camping on road and both sides making frequent booth visits is something we have never seen here,” said Sanjay Rae of Ballygunge.

Gaurav Jain, recovering from an accident, arrived at his booth on crutches, while Rusha Hazra flew in from Delhi just to vote, returning the same night despite a crucial work commitment. “I have an important presentation to make on Thursday. But even then I didn’t skip voting in the year of SIR,” said Hazra.

Areas like Ekbalpore, Mominpore and Collins Lane — traditionally high-turnout zones — saw even longer queues than usual. At 3.30 pm, there was a queue of over 150 outside Little Hearts Junior School in Ekbalpore. “I have never seen an election like this,” said Md Daud, a Mominpore-based businessman.

West Bengal on Wednesday recorded a very high voter turnout of over 91% along with reports of sporadic violence during the second phase of the assembly elections.

According to the Election Commission, the state registered a record 92.47% overall turnout across the two phases, the highest since Independence. The voter turnout in phase II stood around 91.66%, while phase I on April 23 had recorded 93.19%.

"The combined poll percentage over the two phases stands at 92.47 per cent," the poll watchdog said.

West Bengal has a total voter base of 6.81 crore.

Despite the strong participation, incidents of violence and vandalism were reported from several areas, including Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala and Bhangar.

On exit polls for West Bengal, TMC MP Saugata Roy said, "TMC will do very well. High voter turnout is in favour of TMC. It is against the BJP because people are angry with the role of the Election Commission, which is in a conspiracy with the BJP...I am confident that Mamata Banerjee will become Chief Minister for the fourth time..."

The aggregated poll of polls for the 2026 West Bengal elections points to a closely fought contest, with the BJP projected at around 149 seats, closely followed by the Trinamool Congress at 140 seats, and others at about 5 seats. The numbers suggest a slight edge for the BJP, though not a decisive lead, indicating a tight and competitive race.

The narrow margin highlights the intensity of the battle across regions, with both major parties within striking distance of a majority. Even small swings on counting day could significantly impact the final outcome. The poll of polls thus sets the stage for a high-stakes wait leading up to May 4.

Exit polls released by People’s Pulse and Chanakya show sharply contrasting projections for the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026, highlighting a highly divided political picture in the state.

According to People’s Pulse, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is projected to secure a strong majority with 178–189 seats, while the BJP is expected to win 95–110 seats and Congress 1–3 seats.

In contrast, Chanakya’s projection suggests a tighter contest, with the BJP slightly ahead at 150–160 seats, the TMC at 130–140 seats, and others likely to win 6–10 seats.

The differing numbers underline a split verdict among pollsters, with some indicating a decisive TMC win while others point to a BJP edge or closely fought race.

On the second phase of WB Assembly Election, TMC Candidate from Bidhannagar & West Bengal Minister, Sujit Bose said, "The morning was dull, but people came out in large numbers, even in the rain. Families queued together, showing strong public support. With heavy turnout and central forces present, this feels like a different kind of election."

West Bengal phase 2 polling concluded. The prediction numbers have started coming out.