Voting in Phase 2 of West Bengal elections saw 89.99 percent turnout till 5 pm, crossing 2021 levels. High voter participation across districts signals intense political contest and strong public engagement.
The second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 witnessed an impressive voter turnout of 89.99 percent by 5 pm, already exceeding the 80.4 percent recorded in the 2021 elections for the same 142 constituencies. Officials indicated that the final turnout could rise further as voters present in polling queues before the 6 pm deadline will be allowed to cast their votes. The strong turnout reflects heightened political engagement across key districts and underscores the importance of this phase in determining the state’s political future.
Constituencies across the southern belt, including Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman, reported heavy voter participation throughout the day. Long queues were seen outside polling booths, reflecting consistent voter enthusiasm despite sporadic tensions and clashes in some areas. High-profile constituencies such as Bhabanipur, where Mamata Banerjee is contesting against Suvendu Adhikari, witnessed significant turnout, adding to the intensity of the electoral battle.
Among constituencies, Ausgram in Purba Bardhaman district recorded the highest turnout at 94.06 percent, followed by Habra in North 24 Parganas at 93 percent. District-wise data shows Purba Bardhaman leading with 92.46 percent turnout, while Kolkata North recorded 87.77 percent. Bhabanipur constituency registered 85.51 percent polling, reflecting strong participation even in urban areas. The voting pattern across regions indicates a mix of rural dominance in turnout and steady urban engagement.
The high turnout has triggered contrasting interpretations from major political parties. The Trinamool Congress sees it as an endorsement of its governance and welfare schemes, while the Bharatiya Janata Party interprets it as a sign of growing anti-incumbency sentiment among voters. Reports of minor clashes and heated exchanges between party workers were observed in some polling areas, adding to the charged political atmosphere.
With the ruling party having secured a dominant 123 out of 142 seats in this phase during the 2021 elections, the current turnout adds uncertainty to the outcome. Observers believe that such high participation could significantly influence the final results, making this one of the most closely watched phases of the West Bengal elections.
