Bengal Assembly Elections Phase 2 Voting Begins Amid Tensions

The second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 kicked off early this morning, with millions of voters lining up at polling stations across the state. This phase is considered crucial for both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as it covers key districts where local issues and identity politics play a major role. Despite the heavy security presence, the early hours of polling have already seen reports of heated exchanges between party workers and localized protests.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been vocal since the morning, raising concerns about the conduct of central forces in certain areas. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has received several complaints regarding Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) glitches, which caused temporary delays in some booths. In a lighter moment that captured social media’s attention, a sweetmaker in Howrah went viral for creating “Election Sandesh” featuring the symbols of all major political parties, proving that the election fever has reached every corner of the state.

Security remains a top priority, with additional companies of central forces being deployed to sensitive zones to prevent any major escalation. Polling officials have stated that while there are challenges, the overall voting process is proceeding at a steady pace. As the day progresses, the focus will remain on the turnout figures and whether the early momentum continues until the evening. With several high-profile candidates in the fray, the results of this phase could significantly influence the overall outcome of the 2026 Bengal polls.