Daijiworld Media Network – Kolkata
Kolkata, Apr 29: Polling began at 7 am on Wednesday for the second and final phase of the high-stakes West Bengal Assembly elections, covering 142 of the state’s 294 constituencies, as the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP locked horns in a fiercely fought contest.
Long queues were witnessed at several polling booths shortly after voting commenced, signalling strong voter participation after the first phase recorded an impressive 93.17 per cent turnout.
The final phase covers South Bengal, a region that has remained a Trinamool stronghold for the past 15 years and is expected to play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the election. The BJP, seeking to form its first government in the state, has mounted an aggressive campaign in the region, deploying its top leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several chief ministers.
While the Congress and CPI(M) are also in the fray, the contest is largely seen as a direct battle between the TMC and BJP.
All eyes are on Bhabanipur, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is facing BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari in a marquee showdown widely billed as the defining contest of the election. The battle is being seen as a political rematch of Nandigram, where Adhikari defeated Banerjee in 2021.
North and South 24 Parganas, which together account for 64 seats, are also being closely watched as crucial battlegrounds that could shape the fortunes of both parties.
Several other constituencies are witnessing intense contests, including Tollyganj, where TMC heavyweight Aroop Biswas is pitted against BJP nominee Papia Adhikary, and Bidhannagar, where TMC leader Sujit Bose is seeking another term.
Panihati, Kolkata Port and Noapara are among other key seats drawing attention in the final phase.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has emerged as a major flashpoint, with large-scale deletions triggering political controversy.
North 24 Parganas recorded over 12.6 lakh deletions, followed by South 24 Parganas with 10.91 lakh names removed. Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly and Nadia also reported significant deletions.
Political observers have pointed out that in at least 25 constituencies, the number of deleted names exceeds previous victory margins, raising concerns that the revision exercise could influence both electoral outcomes and post-poll narratives.
Security concerns continue to loom over the final phase amid reports of crude bomb recoveries and violence during the first phase of polling.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said Central Armed Police Forces would remain deployed in Bengal for 60 days after polling, citing concerns over possible violence on counting day. The TMC has rejected the remarks as fear-mongering.
With South Bengal set to decide the final verdict, Wednesday’s polling is being seen as a crucial test in one of the most closely watched Assembly battles in recent years.