Modi urges active participation as Bengal begins final phase of voting

Voting for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is being held on Wednesday across 142 constituencies in six districts and Kolkata, with extensive security arrangements in place. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to participate in large numbers, especially women and youth, as polling began with over 3.21 crore registered electors.

In a message, Modi said, “Today is Phase-2 of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. Urging all those voting today to do so in record numbers and make our democracy more vibrant as well as participative. It is important that the women and youth of West Bengal, in particular, turnout in large numbers and exercise their franchise.”
Polling teams were dispatched on Tuesday with EVMs and VVPATs to designated stations. According to the Election Commission of India, the 142 constituencies account for 3,21,73,837 registered voters, including 1,64,35,627 men, 1,57,37,418 women, and 792 third gender voters. All voters have been issued Electors Photo Identity Cards.


Among voters, 3,243 are aged 100 years or above, while 1,96,801 are aged 85 or above. There are 146 Non-Resident Indian voters and 39,961 service voters. A total of 1,448 candidates are contesting, including 1,228 men and 220 women. There are no third gender candidates in this phase.

Of the total seats, 107 are general constituencies, 34 are reserved for Scheduled Castes, and one for Scheduled Tribes. Bhangar in South 24 Parganas has the highest number of candidates at 15, while a constituency in Hooghly has the lowest at five.

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The polling is being conducted across Nadia, East Burdwan, Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Howrah, and Kolkata. Jorasanko in Kolkata is the smallest constituency by area, while Kalyani in Nadia is the largest.

Bhatpara in North 24 Parganas has the lowest number of voters at 1,17,195, while Chuchura in Hooghly has the highest at 2,75,715. Most constituencies have more than two lakh voters.

A total of 41,001 polling stations have been set up, including 39,301 main stations and 1,700 auxiliary stations. Security arrangements include deployment of 2,407 companies of central forces along with state police. Webcasting is being conducted at all polling stations.

The results of the election will be announced on May 4.