West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee launched a fierce attack on central forces Wednesday, alleging they were actively working in favour of the BJP during the second and final phase of assembly polling. After casting her vote at Mitra Institution School in her Bhabanipur constituency, Banerjee accused the forces of intimidating TMC workers, evicting polling agents from booths, and harassing ordinary voters. "What is happening is not at all free and fair polls," she declared sharply. Polling was simultaneously underway across 142 constituencies in south Bengal, covering Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia, North and South 24 Parganas, and Purba Bardhaman, amid heightened political tensions and security deployment. (PC: PTI)

In a stunning political forecast, Axis My India has released its exit poll results, predicting a clean sweep for the BJP in the state. The survey projects the saffron party winning an commanding over 88 seats, signalling a dominant and decisive mandate. Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress is projected to secure a significantly reduced tally of just 24 to 36 seats, underscoring a major collapse in opposition strength. The Axis My India projection adds considerable weight to the growing narrative of BJP's unstoppable electoral momentum in the region. If the actual results mirror these predictions, it would mark a landmark political shift with far-reaching consequences for the state's governance and opposition landscape.

Exit polls for the West Bengal Assembly Elections have delivered a dramatic forecast as three out of four pollsters predict that the BJP is set to breach Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress stronghold, a bastion the saffron party had long dubbed its "final frontier." These three exit polls project the BJP winning anywhere between 146 to 175 seats, a figure that could comfortably form a government. However, not all pollsters agree. People's Pulse stands alone in predicting a TMC comeback, foreseeing Mamata Banerjee returning to power for an unprecedented fourth consecutive term. As Bengal awaits the actual verdict, the political stakes could not be higher. (PC: India Today)

Voting for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 concluded on April 29, marking the end of polling across five states and one Union Territory. The high-stakes Bengal contest saw intense campaigning and strong voter participation, with polling continuing till evening under tight security. Across other regions, turnout remained robust—Assam recorded about 85.9%, Puducherry nearly 89.9%, and Tamil Nadu over 82%, reflecting significant voter engagement. With polling complete, attention has now shifted to exit polls, which were released after 6:30 PM as per Election Commission norms. Official results are scheduled to be announced on May 4. (PC: PTI)

Mamata Banerjee alleged bias by central forces during West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 before casting her vote in Bhabanipur. She told reporters, “Central forces are working for a particular party.” She also claimed “atrocities” since the previous night. “I have never seen this type of democracy,” she said. Banerjee added that no state police were present at booths and alleged the CRPF had “captured it all”. She said, “They should secure the border, instead of securing one political party.” Voting is underway till 6 pm. Observers expect turnout to match or exceed the high participation seen in the first phase. 

Voting was stopped at some booths in Falta during Bengal Phase 2 polls after the Bharatiya Janata Party alleged EVM tampering. The party said its voting button was “blocked using a tape” in several booths. BJP leader Amit Malviya demanded repolling in affected areas. The Trinamool Congress denied the charges and called them false. Spokesperson Riju Dutta said the matter falls under the Election Commission. Officials said complaints will be checked and repolling ordered if needed. The area is part of Diamond Harbour, linked to Abhishek Banerjee. (PC: NDTV)

Voting in West Bengal’s final phase crossed 61% by early afternoon amid reports of tension and complaints. A BJP candidate, the mother of the RG Kar victim, alleged, “TMC workers… attacked me while shouting ‘go back’.” The Bharatiya Janata Party also claimed its symbol was blocked on EVMs in some booths. The Trinamool Congress denied the charges. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused central forces of acting for the BJP. Officials said polling was largely peaceful despite incidents. Repolling in some booths is being considered as authorities review complaints. (PC: HT)

Tensions rose during Phase 2 voting in West Bengal as Suvendu Adhikari faced off with Trinamool Congress supporters outside a booth in Bhabanipur. Supporters raised “Joy Bangla” slogans, while Adhikari responded with “Jai Shri Ram.” He also called the crowd “outsiders.” Security forces used mild force to disperse the gathering. Elsewhere, reports of clashes, EVM issues and vandalism came from several districts. A BJP agent was allegedly attacked in Nadia, while protests were reported in Howrah after a voting delay. Officials said polling remained largely peaceful despite scattered incidents. (PC: X)

Narendra Modi said high voter turnout in West Bengal shows people are voting “without fear” and points to a BJP win. He said large crowds at polling booths reflect a desire to remove the Trinamool Congress. “Voting in Bengal is taking place in a fearless atmosphere, unimaginable in the last six or seven decades,” he said. He added that such participation strengthens democracy. Modi urged voters to continue coming out in large numbers. The Bharatiya Janata Party is hoping high turnout will help it form the government. Results will be declared on May 4. (PC: India Today)

Phase 2 voting in West Bengal saw EVM glitches, clashes and sharp exchanges between leaders. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari reached the same booth in Bhabanipur and traded barbs. Banerjee alleged the Bharatiya Janata Party was trying to “rig” polls, while BJP accused the Trinamool Congress of violence. EVM malfunction in Howrah led to protests and arrests. A BJP agent was allegedly attacked in Nadia. TMC MP Derek O'Brien challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign if TMC wins. Both sides also traded claims of voter intimidation. (PC: HT)