Kolkata, April 29
Voters across West Bengal turned out in large numbers on Tuesday as the second phase of state election polling began amid scattered violence and political tension. By 11 am local time, nearly 40% of the state’s 32.1 million eligible voters had cast their ballots. Long queues formed outside polling stations from early morning in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia, North and South 24 Parganas, and Purba Bardhaman districts — regions considered politically crucial in the battle for power.
Election officials said polling was largely peaceful, though several incidents of unrest were reported. The biggest flashpoint was Bhabanipur, the Kolkata constituency closely associated with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The area briefly became the centre of attention when Ms Banerjee and senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari arrived at the same polling zone.
Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to influence the election through security forces and officials. Adhikari rejected the claims, saying the accusations reflected political anxiety.The confrontation revived memories of the bitter 2021 Nandigram contest, where Adhikari defeated Banerjee in one of Bengal’s most closely watched races.
Elsewhere, complaints of violence and disruption emerged from several districts. In Nadia, the BJP said one of its polling agents was assaulted during a mock poll, an allegation denied by the ruling Trinamool Congress. In Shantipur, a BJP election office was reportedly vandalised.
In Bhangar, the Indian Secular Front said its polling agents were blocked from entering booths. In Bally, near Howrah, voting was delayed after an electronic voting machine malfunctioned. Security personnel later used batons to disperse angry crowds, and two people were arrested.
Further disturbances were reported in Panihati and Jagaddal, where protests and the discovery of a firearm near a polling station added to tensions before police restored order.
Despite the incidents, turnout remained strong. Purba Bardhaman recorded the highest participation by late morning, followed by Hooghly and Nadia.
The final phase of polling is being closely watched because it covers southern Bengal, traditionally a stronghold of the Trinamool Congress. In the last election, the party dominated the region, while the BJP made only limited gains.
For the BJP, making inroads here is seen as essential if it hopes to seriously challenge the ruling party’s hold on the state.
