New Delhi, 29 April (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged West Bengal voters to cast their ballots in unprecedented numbers today during Phase-2 of the 2026 Assembly Elections, emphasizing the pivotal role of women and youth in strengthening participatory democracy. His appeal comes as polling commenced across 142 constituencies spanning key districts, building on the historic over 92% turnout recorded in the first phase on April 23.

In his message, PM Modi stated: 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.

The Election Commission of India scheduled this two-phase election—reduced from eight phases in 2021—to cover all 294 seats efficiently, with Phase-1 encompassing 152 constituencies (numbers 1-76, 203-258, 275-294) in North Bengal and mixed regions, and today's Phase-2 targeting constituencies 77-202 and 259-274. Over 3.21 crore voters will decide among 1,448 candidates, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Counting for both phases is set for May 4.

The first phase shattered records with 92.72% participation—the highest since Independence—despite challenges like deleted voter names, drawing 33.2 million voters including strong female and first-time participation in rural and urban areas. Districts like Paschim Medinipur (65.77% by 1 p.m.) led early trends, signaling high enthusiasm amid the fierce BJP-TMC contest.

PM Modi, during recent rallies in Barrackpore and Krishnanagar, predicted BJP victories while praising the Election Commission's violence-free conduct, which reached a 50-year low.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar