Incidents of violence and vandalism were reported during early voting hours in the second phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal, with clashes reported from Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala and Bhangar. A polling agent of the Bharatiya Janata Party was allegedly assaulted at a booth in Nadia district, with party leaders blaming workers linked to the Trinamool Congress. The injured individual was hospitalised after sustaining head injuries. While a complaint has been filed, the ruling party has denied the allegations. Police confirmed disturbances at multiple locations as voting continued amid heightened security and political tensions.

West Bengal votes in the second and final phase of its Assembly elections, covering 142 constituencies across the politically crucial southern belt, including Kolkata and adjoining districts. Voting continues till 6:30 pm, with high turnout expected following strong participation in Phase 1. The region has traditionally been dominated by the Trinamool Congress, which won 123 of these seats in 2021, while the Bharatiya Janata Party secured 18. The contest now centres on whether the BJP can break into this stronghold or if Mamata Banerjee retains control and moves toward a fourth consecutive term.

West Bengal will vote in the second phase of elections across 142 seats on Wednesday. Over 1,448 candidates are in the fray.   The key contest is in Bhabanipur, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faces BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. Mamata is seeking a fourth term.   Around 3.22 crore voters are eligible to vote. This includes over 4.12 lakh first-time voters.   Security has been tightened before polling. Officials said 2,473 people were detained as a precaution.   The first phase saw a turnout of 92.72 per cent. Results will be declared on May 4. (PC: X)

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of India seeking the urgent removal of IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma from poll duty in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas.   The plea calls him “highly partisan” and says he acted beyond his role as an observer. It alleges “acts of intimidation, undue influence, and threats” against political candidates.   Sharma was deployed by the Election Commission of India to ensure fair polling.   The move has triggered a political row. The Trinamool Congress has protested, while the Bharatiya Janata Party backed the deployment. (PC: HT)

With Phase 2 of the West Bengal polls a day away, more than 12 lakh voter appeals remain pending before tribunals set up on orders of the Supreme Court of India. Out of around 12.9 lakh cases, only 1,468 have been cleared and six rejected. Lakhs remain unsure of their voting status. Long queues were seen at the Joka tribunal centre in Kolkata as people rushed to file claims. Officials said the process is moving slowly. Justice Joymalya Bagchi said, “Perhaps they can’t vote, but their right to remain on the rolls shall be preserved.” The court had allowed voting only if appeals were cleared before deadlines. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his Bengal election campaign with an open letter in Bangla to voters. He thanked people for their support during rallies and roadshows. Modi said the youth, women, farmers and workers want a “Developed Bengal”. He added, “Now is the time for change.” Modi also said, “Serving Bengal is my duty,” and promised safety and progress for the state. He urged people to support the Bharatiya Janata Party. Voting for the final phase will be held on April 29, with counting on May 4.

Narendra Modi concluded his West Bengal campaign with an emotional letter in Bangla, thanking voters for their support and urging political change. He highlighted the aspirations of youth, women, farmers, and workers for a “Developed Bengal,” stressing the need for opportunity, security, and trust. Modi linked his campaign experience to spiritual devotion, referencing past religious observances, and described public affection as his greatest strength. He called for support for the Bharatiya Janata Party, asserting it represents change and progress. He pledged commitment to Bengal’s development, safety, and transformation, expressing confidence in forming a BJP-led government in the state.

Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan has approved the merger of Raghav Chadha and six former AAP MPs into the BJP. The move raises the BJP’s strength in the House to 113. Union minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the decision and said, “Welcome to nation building NDA under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” The MPs who joined include Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal and Rajinder Gupta. Chadha said he left AAP due to a “toxic” work environment. (PC: HT)

Arvind Kejriwal has said he will not appear before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the excise policy case. In a letter, he said his “hope of getting justice” has been “shattered”. He claimed there is a conflict of interest and raised concerns about the judge’s links and family roles. Kejriwal said he would follow Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of satyagraha and boycott the hearing. He said he is ready to face legal consequences. He also kept the option open to approach the Supreme Court. (PC: India Today)

Narendra Modi visited Thanthania Kalibari, a historic temple known for its non-vegetarian prasad tradition, before a roadshow in Kolkata amid West Bengal election campaigning and political debate over food culture. The temple, established in 1703, worships Maa Siddheshwari and is considered spiritually awakened. Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress alleged BJP may restrict non-vegetarian food, citing practices in NDA-ruled states. Bharatiya Janata Party leaders denied this, asserting respect for food choices. The temple’s unique ritual, linked to Ramakrishna Paramahansa, includes offerings like ‘dab-chingri’, continuing a long-standing devotional tradition.