April 29, 2026 — Voting began on Wednesday in the final phase of West Bengal’s assembly elections amid reports of sporadic violence and technical glitches at polling stations. About 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 pits Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is attempting to make inroads into a state it has never ruled, against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC). Banerjee has alleged widespread interference by central forces and poll observers she says are acting at the BJP’s behest, accusing the national party of attempting to rig the election.
Security and voting disruptions were reported in parts of the state. In Bally, clashes erupted after alleged electronic voting machine (EVM) malfunctions, prompting security personnel to use batons and leading to two detentions, according to officials cited by local media. In Nadia district, BJP leaders reported that a party polling agent was assaulted at a booth in Chapra, accusing TMC supporters of the attack.
Election-day technical problems were also reported at some polling stations, with voters and party agents raising concerns about EVMs. Despite these incidents, media reports and observers noted strong voter turnout in many areas, including significant participation by women and young voters — a turnout Modi urged in a post on X, calling on West Bengal’s women and youth to exercise their franchise in large numbers.
The final phase completes polling in West Bengal as well as the season’s elections in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry. Authorities have deployed security and election officials across the state to manage polling and investigate reported disturbances. As parties make last-minute pushes and accusations fly, the state and national political stakes remain high; the outcome will be closely watched when votes are tallied on May 4.