April 29, 2026 — Voting began Wednesday in the final phase of West Bengal’s assembly elections, as officials reported isolated incidents of violence and technical problems at some polling stations. Around 32.1 million electors are eligible to vote across 142 assembly constituencies in seven districts, where 1,448 candidates are contesting. Votes are scheduled to be counted on May 4.
The contest is between Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which seeks its first government in the state, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC). Banerjee has alleged widespread interference by central forces and by poll observers she says are acting on the BJP’s behalf, accusing the national party of trying to influence the outcome. The BJP denies these charges.
Security and voting disruptions were reported in parts of the state. In Bally, clashes broke out after what officials described as alleged electronic voting machine (EVM) malfunctions; local media cited security personnel using batons and two people being detained. In Nadia district, BJP leaders said a party polling agent was assaulted at a booth in Chapra, blaming TMC supporters for the attack. Election-day technical problems with EVMs were reported at other stations, prompting complaints from voters and party agents.
Despite these incidents, media accounts and observers reported strong voter turnout in many areas, with notable participation by women and young voters. Prime Minister Modi posted on X urging West Bengal’s women and youth to vote in large numbers.
The final phase completes polling in West Bengal and wraps up this season’s elections in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry. Authorities say they have deployed security and election officials across the state to manage polling and to investigate reported disturbances. As parties make last-minute appeals and trade accusations, both state and national political stakes remain high; the results will be closely watched when votes are tallied on May 4.