Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:32pm on 29 Apr 2026,Wednesday Politics
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:36am on 29 Apr 2026,Wednesday Politics
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.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:37am on 29 Apr 2026,Wednesday Politics
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:53am on 29 Apr 2026,Wednesday Politics
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:46am on 29 Apr 2026,Wednesday Politics
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:22am on 29 Apr 2026,Wednesday Politics
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:07am on 29 Apr 2026,Wednesday Politics
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:43am on 29 Apr 2026,Wednesday Politics
Voting in West Bengal’s final phase saw protests over alleged “EVM glitches” and delays at several booths. Clashes were reported in Bally, Baranagar and Hooghly. Nearly 40% turnout was recorded by 11 am. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused central forces of acting “as per the BJP’s directions” and showed a clip of an injured party worker. The Bharatiya Janata Party and Trinamool Congress traded charges during polling. In Bally, two people were detained after a clash. Heavy security was deployed across booths. Over 1,400 candidates are in the fray across 142 seats in South Bengal. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:33am on 29 Apr 2026,Wednesday Politics
The Bharatiya Janata Party accused the Trinamool Congress of poll malpractice during Bengal voting. BJP leader Amit Malviya said the party’s voting option was “blocked using a tape” in booths in Falta, Diamond Harbour. He called it the “Diamond Harbour Model” and sought repolling in affected booths. The area is linked to Abhishek Banerjee. The TMC denied the charge. Spokesperson Riju Dutta said, “We are not doing it,” and blamed election officials. State election chief Manoj Agarwal said action is being taken on complaints. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:01am on 29 Apr 2026,Wednesday Politics
Violence was reported as West Bengal voted in the final phase across 142 seats on Wednesday. Voter turnout stood at 18.93% by 9 am. The contest is mainly between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. In Nadia, a BJP polling agent alleged he was beaten by “15-16 TMC supporters,” claiming one carried a gun. A BJP camp office was also vandalised. In Howrah, voting was briefly disrupted due to an EVM glitch. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faces Suvendu Adhikari in a key contest. The BJP, backed by leaders like Amit Shah, aims to break TMC’s stronghold in South Bengal. (PC: India Today)