West Bengal Exit Polls highlights: Close contest likely, 3 pollsters give edge to BJP; People's Pulse predicts TMC win
West Bengal Exit Poll Results highlights: A voter turnout of 91.47% was recorded in Bengal on Wednesday, as per ECI data. Meanwhile, a close fight is expected in Bengal, according to exit poll predictions. Three projections predicted a BJP win, while People's Pulse projected a clear TMC sweep.
West Bengal Exit Poll Results highlights: A voter turnout of 91.47% was recorded in Bengal on Wednesday, as per ECI data. Meanwhile, a close fight is expected in Bengal, according to exit poll predictions. Three projections predicted a win for the BJP in West Bengal, while People's Pulse projected a clear TMC sweep....Read More
Violence and vandalism reportedly took place in parts of West Bengal shortly after voting for the final phase of Assembly elections began this morning. Claims of an EVM glitch and failed and delayed voting were made in Hooghly and the CRPF personnel reportedly detained two people in Bally after a clash erupted over similar allegations.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee levelled big allegations against central forces deployed in West Bengal for the elections and said they were working “as per the BJP’s directions”. Flashing a clip towards the media, Banerjee claimed that a Trinamool worker was beaten up and questioned if this is how voting should take place.
Mamata Banerjee is among the 1,448 candidates in fray across 142 constituencies that are seeing voting in the final phase today. She is tied in an intense fight with the BJP's Suvendu Adhikari on the Bhabanipur seat.
The BJP looks to secure a mandate this time around after an improved tally of 77 seats in the last elections held in 2021.
Here are top developments since the final phase of voting began:
EVM tampering allegations: As candidates stepped out of their homes and took part in casting their votes this morning, some of them reported issues with the EVMs. BJP candidates in Sonarpur Dakshin and Panihati said there were some issues with the EVM buttons or machine at the booths. Later, BJP leader Amit Malviya shared a clip, alleging attempts to cover the button to vote for the BJP with tape.
Voting delayed at some booths? Some booths in Bengal's Howrah and Baranagar saw chaos as voters alleged that the poll process began very late. The timing of the voting to begin was 7 am this morning. Angry voters claimed that there were “failed” attempts of voting due to a glitch with the EVMs.
RG Kar victim's mother alleges attack: The mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim has been fielded as a BJP candidate in Panihati. On Wednesday, she alleged being attacked by Trinamool workers. “TMC workers intensely targeted me earlier today. They sent goons who attacked me while shouting 'go back' slogans," she said.
Trinamool MP's big challenge to PM Modi: As voting began, Trinamool MP Derek O'Brien issued a challenge to PM Modi, asking he would “dare” to resign if the Mamata Banerjee-led party was reelected in Bengal.
Mamata Banerjee's allegations against central forces: Banerjee, who is also in the fray in the final phase from Bhabanipur, visited the constituency this morning and levelled big allegations against the central forces. She accused central forces and election observers of acting at the BJP's behest and claimed TMC workers and leaders were being selectively targeted across districts.
- {{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 08:55:58 PM IST
This blog is closed.
This blog is now closed and won't be updated. Follow this live blog for latest exit poll predictions: Exit Polls 2026 LIVE.
- 29 Apr 2026, 08:49:35 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: All about election day and exit poll projections today
Bengal election news LIVE: Here are the key facts:
- West Bengal recorded its highest-ever voter turnout in the 2026 assembly polls since Independence, with a cumulative 92.47 per cent polling in two phases, the Election Commission said on Wednesday.
- Polling in the second and final phase on Wednesday registered 91.66 per cent turnout till 7.45 pm, while the first phase had recorded 93.19 per cent voting, it said.
- Most pollsters have projected a narrow BJP win in Bengal.
- People's Pulse projected a Trinamool Congress (TMC) victory in Bengal, giving the ruling party 177 to 187 seats. The BJP is expected to win between 95 and 110 seats, according to the survey.
- Matrize and P-Marq, however, indicated an advantage for the BJP in Bengal. Matrize gave the BJP 146-161 seats and the TMC 125-140 seats. P-Marq estimated 150-175 seats for the BJP and 118-138 for the TMC.
- According to the Poll Diary exit poll, the BJP is projected to emerge ahead in West Bengal with 142-171 seats. The TMC+ alliance is estimated to win 99-127 seats. The Left Front+ is predicted to secure 2-3 seats, while Congress may get 3-5 seats.
- According to the JVC exit poll, the contest is expected to be close. The TMC+ is projected to win 131-152 seats in West Bengal, while the BJP may secure 138-159 seats.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 08:34:19 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Highest-ever Bengal voter turnout since Independence
Bengal election news LIVE: West Bengal recorded its highest-ever voter turnout in the 2026 assembly polls since Independence, with a cumulative 92.47 per cent polling in two phases, the Election Commission said on Wednesday.
Polling in the second and final phase on Wednesday registered 91.66 per cent turnout till 7.45 pm, while the first phase had recorded 93.19 per cent voting, it said.
The previous highest turnout in the state was 84.72 per cent during the 2011 assembly elections, the poll panel said.
- 29 Apr 2026, 08:15:23 PM IST
West Bengal Exit Poll Results LIVE: A summary of exit poll predictions so far
West Bengal Exit Poll Results LIVE: Several pollsters have released their exit poll projections for West Bengal, with the battle expected to be a close one.
People's Pulse gave the TMC a clear edge, while Poll Diary predicted a BJP victory. While several others suggested a BJP win, the contest is expected to be a close one, as per the poll projections.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 07:51:29 PM IST
West Bengal Exit Poll Results LIVE: JVC exit poll suggests tight contest, gives edge to BJP
West Bengal Exit Poll Results LIVE: According to the JVC exit poll, the contest is expected to be close.
The TMC+ is projected to win 131-152 seats in West Bengal, while the BJP may secure 138-159 seats.
- 29 Apr 2026, 07:39:17 PM IST
West Bengal Exit Poll Results LIVE: Poll Diary predicts BJP win
West Bengal Exit Poll Results LIVE: According to the Poll Diary exit poll, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is projected to emerge ahead in West Bengal with 142-171 seats.
The Trinamool Congress-led TMC+ alliance is estimated to win 99-127 seats. The Left Front+ is predicted to secure 2-3 seats, while the Indian National Congress (INC) may get 3-5 seats. Others are projected to win 0-1 seats.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 07:32:10 PM IST
West Bengal Exit Poll Results LIVE: TMC's first reaction to exit poll predictions
West Bengal Exit Poll Results LIVE: On exit polls for West Bengal, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh said, "The exit polls are baseless...It has nothing to do with the ground reality...We will win more than 235 seats and the BJP will not even win more than 50 seats".
TMC leader Shashi Panja said, "...We should wait till the 4th of May...The ECI and the central government will have to take responsibility for the way the elections were conducted, the way people's emotions were stirred up, and the way the central forces treated those who voted on election day. You deprived many people of voting. The answer to all this will be seen on May 4th... We've seen exit polls like this before, when they were sinking the TMC, but when the TMC emerged victorious, did anyone apologise? This keeps happening... The BJP will lose."
- 29 Apr 2026, 07:27:38 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: CEC hails Bengal voter turnout
Bengal election news LIVE: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said, “Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal in both Phase I & II since Independence - Chunav ka Parv, Paschim Bengal ka Garv."
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 07:25:15 PM IST
West Bengal Exit Poll Results LIVE: Phase 2 voter turnout rises to over 90%
West Bengal Exit Poll Results LIVE: A voter turnout of 91.47% was recorded in Bengal on Wednesday, as per ECI data.
- 29 Apr 2026, 07:14:15 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: 3 pollsters release Bengal exit polls, read analysis
Bengal election news LIVE: People's Pulse projected a Trinamool Congress (TMC) victory in Bengal, giving the ruling party 177 to 187 seats. The BJP is expected to win between 95 and 110 seats, according to the survey.
Matrize and P-Marq, however, indicated an advantage for the BJP in Bengal. Matrize gave the BJP 146-161 seats and the TMC 125-140 seats. P-Marq estimated 150-175 seats for the BJP and 118-138 for the TMC. More details here.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 06:58:44 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: P-Marq exit poll predicts BJP victory in Bengal
Bengal election news LIVE: According to the P-Marq exit poll for West Bengal, the TMC+ alliance is projected to win 118 to 138 seats, while the BJP is estimated to secure 150 to 175 seats.
No projections were given for the Left Front+, INC or Others.
- 29 Apr 2026, 06:39:38 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: People's Pulse predicts TMC sweep in West Bengal
Bengal election news LIVE: According to the People's Pulse exit poll for the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, the TMC+ alliance is projected to win between 177 and 187 seats.
The BJP is estimated to secure 95 to 110 seats, emerging as the main challenger.
The Left Front+ is predicted to win up to one seat.
The Congress (INC) is likely to get between one and three seats.
Others are projected to win between one and two seats.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 06:36:37 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: TMC will touch its highest tally ever, say TMC sources
Bengal election news LIVE: In a statement, TMC source said: "The relentless branding of Bangladeshis and torture of SIR has backfired big time to BJP.
As per our internal assessment this is completely a VOTE OF ANGER.
Our assessment is we are crossing 230 and have got an edge in Nandigram. Bhawanipore- Suvendu Adhikari is nowhere!"
- 29 Apr 2026, 06:34:30 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Matrize projections for West Bengal
Bengal election news LIVE: Matrize projects the BJP winning 146–161 seats in the 294-member assembly, the majority mark is 148, with a vote share of 42.5 per cent.
The Trinamool Congress is projected to win 125–140 seats at 40.8 per cent vote share.
If the numbers bear out, it would mark the end of Mamata Banerjee's 15-year grip on Bengal, and arguably the most significant state-level electoral upset in recent Indian political history.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 06:30:38 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Exit poll predictions to be released soon
Bengal election news LIVE: Stay tuned for exit poll predictions for West Bengal. We will bring you all the findings from most pollsters.
- 29 Apr 2026, 06:23:33 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Mamata alleges slow voting but claims TMC victory in Bengal
Bengal election news LIVE: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee alleged slow voting during the assembly polls, but claimed that TMC would win at least 200 seats.
The voting has ended in high-stakes Bengal battle.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 06:19:53 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Which districts have recorded high voter turnouts till 5 pm?
Bengal election news LIVE: The second phase of assembly polls in West Bengal has seen a huge 89.99% per cent turnout till 5 pm, according to Election Commission data.
Purba Bardhaman district continued to maintain the lead with a whopping turnout of 92.46%, followed by Hooghly (90.34%), Nadia (90.28%), Howrah (89.44%) and North 24 Paraganas. South 24 Paraganas witnessed a turnout of 89.74% and 89.57% respectively.
Political parties are interpreting the high turnout in their favour. The first phase witnessed a record voter turnout of 91.78 per cent.
- 29 Apr 2026, 06:10:25 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: When and where to watch exit poll predictions?
Bengal election news LIVE: Exit poll projections will be released today, April 29, for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and the union territory of Puducherry.
Based on previous election-day patterns, the exit poll numbers are expected to be released as soon as voting concludes in West Bengal. According to the timing available to us, the exit poll predictions will begin after 6:30pm
The exit polls will be released on television news channels, official websites of polling agencies and verified social media handles of the pollsters.
The various pollsters expected to release their predictions for the exit polls are -
People's Pulse
Matrize
P-Marq
Today's Chanakya
Axis My India
Poll Diary
Electoral Edge
Cvoter
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 06:07:25 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Phase 2 polls close in Bengal
Bengal election news LIVE: A voter turnout of 89.99% was recorded in Bengal till 5 pm on Wednesday, as per ECI data.
Meanwhile, polling has ended in West Bengal, while those in the queue before 6 pm will be allowed to cast their votes.
- 29 Apr 2026, 05:59:50 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Bhabanipur records 85.51% voter turnout so far
Bengal election news LIVE: Nearly 90% voter turnout has been recorded in West Bengal until 5 pm, according to ECI data.
In the high-stakes Bhabanipur seat, where Mamata Banerjee is contesting against BJP's Suvendu Adhikari, a total of 85.51% voting percentage has been recorded so far.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 05:55:53 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: TMC's Mitali Bag reaches poll booth on wheelchair after ‘attack’
Bengal election news LIVE: TMC MP from Arambagh Mitali Bag on Wednesday criticised the BJP, saying the party has reached its final stage and is now attacking people in West Bengal.
"Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are scared. The Election Commission is working as an agent in West Bengal. Despite extreme CRPF and security arrangements, voters are being beaten. They are selectively attacking the TMC workers. The BJP has reached its end stage; that is why it is doing all this. The public has the right to vote. There's no need to scare the voters. Why should the voters be afraid? They attacked men, women, and kids of villages. What has happened to the BJP?" she said.
Earlier, Bag cast her vote while seated in a wheelchair in Hooghly during the second phase of polling in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Earlier on Monday, in a Facebook Live, Bag said her car was attacked during campaigning and alleged that BJP workers were behind the incident.
- 29 Apr 2026, 05:47:24 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: District-wise voter turnout till 5 pm
Bengal election news LIVE: A voter turnout of 89.99% was recorded in Bengal till 5 pm on Wednesday as per ECI data.
Here's the district-wise voter turnout in Bengal so far:
Hooghly - 90.34%
Howrah - 89.44%
Kolkata North - 87.77%
Kolkata South - 86.11%
Nadia - 90.28%
North 24 Parganas - 89.74%
Purba Bardhaman - 92.46%
South 24 Parganas - 89.57%
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 05:41:51 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Nearly 90% voter turnout recorded in Bengal so far
Bengal election news LIVE: A voter turnout of 89.99% was recorded in Bengal till 5 pm on Wednesday as per ECI data.
- 29 Apr 2026, 05:33:06 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Huge cheers greet Mamata Banerjee as she visits Ekbalpur in Kolkata
Bengal election news LIVE: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee received a loud welcome when she visited the Ekbalpur area of south Kolkata.
Several "Joy Bangla" slogans were heard in visuals shared by news agency PTI.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 05:22:30 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: ‘Not at all free and fair polls’, says TMC chief Mamata Banerjee
Bengal election news LIVE: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday alleged that the central forces, deployed for assembly polls, were working in favour of the BJP and claimed that the ongoing state elections were not being conducted in a free and fair manner.
"Central forces are supposed to guard the country's borders, but instead they are working for a particular party," she said, without naming the BJP.
Banerjee also accused the forces of harassing voters and TMC workers across several constituencies.
"The central forces are torturing common people. It is like brutalising the democracy. Is this an example of free and fair polls?" she asked.
- 29 Apr 2026, 05:12:40 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: TMC candidate alleges CRPF personnel dragged polling agent outside booth
Bengal election news LIVE: Trinamool Congress candidate from Canning Paschim Assembly constituency, Paresh Ram Das, on Wednesday, alleged that CRPF personnel beat a TMC polling agent and dragged him outside the booth.
The TMC candidate said they will file a complaint against the CRPF officer involved in the alleged incident. He said CRPF personnel alleged that a complaint had been filed against the polling agent.
"Pradeep Das, polling agent in one of the booths, who was beaten by the CRPF personnel and dragged outside of the booth, saying that a complaint has been lodged against him...We will complain against the CRPF officer and take legal action against him," Paresh Ram Das said.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 05:03:43 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: ‘Repolling likely in booths if EVMs found tampered’, says Bengal CEO
Bengal election news LIVE: West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal on Wednesday said repolling is likely to be announced in booths where EVMs would be found tampered with.
The CEO said that a repoll will be ordered only after the authorities get reports from the district election officer or election observers on allegations of tampering with EVMs using tapes or blot of ink.
Agarwal's comment came following allegations by the BJP that the party's symbols on EVMs were covered with tapes or ink in certain booths during the second and final phase of polling, which is underway.
- 29 Apr 2026, 04:54:33 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Which districts have recorded high voter turnouts so far?
Bengal election news LIVE: More than 78 per cent of 3.21 crore electors cast their votes in the second and final phase of West Bengal assembly polls on Wednesday.
The turnout remained almost parallel to phase one, which had recorded over 78.77 per cent polling till 3 pm.
Purba Bardhaman recorded the highest turnout at 83.11 per cent, followed by Hooghly at 80.77 per cent and Nadia at 79.79 per cent.
Howrah registered 77.73 per cent polling, North 24 Parganas 77.39 per cent, while Kolkata North and Kolkata South recorded 78 per cent and 75.38 per cent turnout respectively. South 24 Parganas, where several prestige contests are underway, registered 76.75 per cent voting.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 04:41:10 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: ‘Target is double century’, says Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya
Bengal election news LIVE: West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya on Wednesday cast his vote as polling for the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections is underway across 142 constituencies.
Speaking to ANI, Bhattacharya drew a cricket analogy and said, "Our batsmen have scored a century in the first phase of the elections, now the target is a double century".
- 29 Apr 2026, 04:38:03 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: ‘Central forces working for a particular party’, alleges Mamata
Bengal election news LIVE: Speaking to reporters before casting her vote in Bhabanipur, TMC chief and Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said that the “central forces are working for a particular party during West Bengal polls.”
Meanwhile, with voting continuing till 6 pm, political observers said the final turnout could approach or even challenge the record 93.19 per cent participation seen in the first phase.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 04:26:41 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: ‘I have never seen this type of democracy’, says Mamata before casting vote
Bengal election news LIVE: TMC supremo and Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee condemned “atrocities” and said that she has “never seen this type of democracy” as she said that no state police was allowed at any booth and CRPF has “captured” it all.
She told reporters, "From yesterday night they started atrocities, and they arrested so many of our people. It is a contempt of court. I have never seen this type of democracy... Trinamool is winning... CRPF cannot torture like this. There is no state police at any booth. They have captured it all. They should secure the border. Instead of doing that, they are securing one political party... I have never seen this. I have been fighting my election since 1984, but the atrocities are terrible…”
Later, she moved to cast her vote in the high-stakes Bhabanipur battle.
- 29 Apr 2026, 04:16:18 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Mamata arrives to cast vote in Bhabanipur
Bengal election news LIVE: Trinamool Congress candidate from Bhabanipur and chief minister Mamata Banerjee shows the victory sign as she arrives at the polling station in Bhabanipur to cast her vote.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 04:11:33 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: RG Kar victim's mother faces TMC protests for 'influencing voters'
Bengal election news LIVE: BJP's Panihati candidate Ratna Debnath, also the mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, faced protests by TMC workers when she visited a booth in the Assembly constituency in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, where polling was underway on Wednesday.
She also accused the ruling party workers of stopping her from leaving the booth premises after an altercation over allegations of influencing voters.
An Election Commission official said the poll panel has sought a report on the alleged incident.
A TMC leader accused Debnath of trying to influence voters and disrupt the election process. "No one threatened her. She was staging a drama," he said.
(With PTI inputs)
- 29 Apr 2026, 04:01:01 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Farooq Abdullah slams EC's handling of WB polls
Bengal election news LIVE: "Is Bengali not being trusted", asked veteran politician and three-time former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, on Wednesday as he criticised the Election Commission over the deployment of a large number of central police personnel and officials during the West Bengal polls.
Abdullah, who is the president of the ruling National Conference, also criticised the remarks made by national leaders against Mamata Banerjee, saying the language used was "unparliamentary and not befitting this nation".
Saying that India can only be strong when its people are respected, he told PTI, "If you want a strong India, then Bengalis have the right to choose their leadership without being coerced towards any other direction."
Abdullah strongly criticised the way some sections in the government deal with state elections and regional identities, and asked whether the people of West Bengal "are being treated as outsiders" in their own country.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 03:51:34 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: District-wise voter turnout in Bengal so far
Bengal election news LIVE: West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 78.68% till 3 pm on Wednesday amid the ongoing second phase of polling for the assembly elections.
Here is the district-wise voter turnout in Bengal so far:
Hooghly | 80.77%
Howrah | 77.73%
Kolkata North | 78.00%
Kolkata South | 75.38%
Nadia | 79.79%
North 24 Parganas | 77.39%
Purba Bardhaman | 83.11%
South 24 Parganas | 76.75%
- 29 Apr 2026, 03:44:08 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: 78.68% voter turnout in Bengal till 3 pm
Bengal election news LIVE: A voter turnout of 78.68% was recorded in West Bengal till 3 pm on Wednesday as per ECI data. The highest voting percentage is in the Purba Bardhaman district, at 83.11%.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 03:33:52 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: TMC alleges assault by central forces in Bagda
Bengal election news LIVE: Trinamool Congress has alleged that central forces assaulted voters in the Bagda Assembly constituency.
The party's Rajya Sabha MP, Mamata Bala Thakur, told PTI, “This booth is ours, and the TMC has not lost here for the last 34 years. This booth is minority-dominated. After Union Minister Shantanu Thakur’s visit, CRPF personnel came here and assaulted voters... Around 7–8 people were mercilessly beaten... All this happened after Thakur's visit. Where is the Election Commission now?…”
- 29 Apr 2026, 03:27:07 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Mamata, Suvendu land in same booth area in Bhabanipur
Bengal election news LIVE: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari reached the same polling booth area in Bhabanipur's Chakraberia on Wednesday morning, where they took digs at each other without any direct interaction, news agency PTI reported.
Though they did not come face to face or exchange greetings, the two rival candidates were present for a short time in ward number 70 of Chakraberia, where Banerjee was sitting outside a local party office after receiving complaints of alleged intimidation of local Trinamool Congress leaders.
As Banerjee stayed on the verandah of the party office, Adhikari arrived on the road just opposite the spot, accompanied by a large contingent of central forces personnel, and attacked the chief minister, claiming she had realised that "not a single vote" was coming her way.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 03:17:56 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Kolkata mayor and TMC candidate Firhad Hakim casts vote
Bengal election news LIVE: West Bengal minister and TMC candidate from Kolkata Port Assembly constituency, Firhad Hakim, cast his vote along with his family at booth number 258 at Chetla Girls' High School in Kolkata.
After casting his vote, he said, "Every time, I, along with my family, go to cast my vote. I also take my granddaughter along so that the children understand that our Constitution gives us the right to vote."
"I got a call at 1 am warning me that it would be my responsibility if anything went wrong in this area. It was a kind of a threat."
“It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to see that unnecessary delay (in voting) does not happen. The EC is paid for this from our taxes. Supporting the BJP is not the task of the Election Commission. Ensuring free and fair elections is the duty of the Election Commission, and I think they have failed in it to some extent…”
- 29 Apr 2026, 03:09:34 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Repolling likely in Falta
Bengal election news LIVE: Repolling in the Falta constituency is expected to be announced by the evening after BJP symbols were allegedly discovered taped on an EVM, HT has learnt.
The office of the Chief Electoral Officer is awaiting further reports before making a decision.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 02:54:50 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: ‘Hooligans attacked me,' claims Mamata's opponent Suvendu Adhikari
Bengal election news LIVE: BJP candidate from Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday alleged that he was attacked by “hooligans”.
“Hooligans attacked me at Booth Number 217... Mamata's goons are not voters; they are all outsiders,” Adhikari said. He challenging Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, and is also contesting from the Nandigram seat.
- 29 Apr 2026, 02:43:24 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Voter turnout may surpass first phase, says Bengal Chief Electoral Officer
Bengal election news LIVE: So far, over 61% voting percentage has been recorded in Bengal. However, as per state Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar, the figure may surpass the figures of first phase, when the state saw over 93% polling.
"In the first phase, West Bengal showed the country that a 93 per cent voter turnout is possible, and that elections can be free and fair. In this phase as well, we aim to match or even exceed that benchmark," Agarwal said, as quoted by PTI.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 02:36:22 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: RG Kar victim's mother claims attack in Panihati
Bengal election news LIVE: The mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim has been fielded as a BJP candidate in Panihati. On Wednesday, she alleged being attacked by Trinamool workers.
“TMC workers intensely targeted me earlier today. They sent goons who attacked me while shouting 'go back' slogans. The Police refused to cooperate when I asked them to make arrests. Now, as a candidate, I found that in this booth, ink has been put on BJP button on the EVM. How will the public be able to vote?,” she was quoted as saying by ANI.
- 29 Apr 2026, 02:29:42 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: What is the voter demographic in Bengal?
Bengal election news LIVE: Of the 3.21 crore total electorate eligible to vote in the final phase in Bengal, 1.57 crore are women, and 792 are third-gender.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 02:21:15 PM IST
Bengal election news LIVE: Blot of ink of BJP symbol at Panihati booth, removed using sanitiser
Bengal election news LIVE: The BJP symbol on the EVM at one of the booths in Panihati was allegedly covered in ink, making it illegible. After objections, the ink was removed using sanitiser, reported ANI.
A ruckus also reportedly erupted between some TMC workers, and Jay Saha, the chief election agent for the BJP candidate in Panihati.
- 29 Apr 2026, 02:14:39 PM IST
West Bengal election news LIVE: BJP leader says 85% voting has been completed
West Bengal election news LIVE: BJP leader Locket Chatterjee has said that she heard 85% voting has been completed in Bengal, with very few left to cast their votes.
“The process is going on very peacefully. I think there will be more voting than in the first phase. Everyone should exercise their right. BJP is forming the government...Bengal is slipping from Mamata Banerjee's hands,” she rold ANI.
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 02:07:13 PM IST
West Bengal voting percentage LIVE: PM Modi lauds massive turnout seen in elections
West Bengal voting percentage LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praise on the voter turnout seen in Bengal during the first phase and the percentage being recorded as voting for the final phase continues.
"Voting for the second phase is underway in Bengal, and reports indicate a massive turnout, with people stepping out in large numbers just like in the first phase. Images of long queues at polling stations are flooding social media, reflecting the enthusiasm of the people to exercise their democratic right," he said.
- 29 Apr 2026, 01:58:41 PM IST
West Bengal voting percentage LIVE: BJP claims tape used to cover its poll symbol at some booths
West Bengal voting percentage LIVE: BJP leader Amit Malviya on Wednesday shared a clip, claiming attempts to cover the party's poll symbol with tapes at some booths.
Taking a dig at the TMC, Malviya tweeted: “In several polling booths, the option to vote for the BJP has been blocked using a tape, effectively preventing voters from exercising their choice. This is the so-called “Diamond Harbour Model,” the same template that helped Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee secure his Lok Sabha seat.”
- {{^htLoading}}
- 29 Apr 2026, 01:47:13 PM IST
West Bengal voting percentage LIVE: 61.11% voting percentage recorded till 1 pm
West Bengal voting percentage LIVE: A voter turnout of 61.11% was recorded in Bengal till 1 pm on Wednesday as per ECI data. The highest voting percentage is in Purba Bardhaman, at 66.8%.
- 29 Apr 2026, 01:39:24 PM IST
West Bengal election news LIVE: Person carrying sharp object ‘threatened’ people to vote for BJP, claims Trinamool leader
West Bengal election news LIVE: A person associated with the BJP, carrying a sharp object, “threatened” people to vote for the party in Narsingh Bose Lane, a Trinamool leader has alleged.
“We have made a video of this incident and shared it with the District Administration and the media. The police have arrested that person. BJP has lost everything, and this is the reason BJP is trying to threaten people to vote in their favour,” TMC's Abhishek Chatterjee said.
- {{^htLoading}}