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IN PHOTOS: Polling for 142 seats in final phase of West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026

Updated On: 29 April, 2026 03:22 PM IST | Asif Ali Sayed

Voting began on Wednesday in 142 constituencies in the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, amid unprecedented security arrangements and a high-stakes contest that could decide whether the ruling TMC retains its dominance over southern districts or the BJP can force open the gates of power in the state. Pics/PTI

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Polling started at 7 am with voters lining up outside booths across Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman - districts that together form the political and electoral core of the state. Pics/PTI

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Polling started at 7 am with voters lining up outside booths across Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman - districts that together form the political and electoral core of the state. Pics/PTI
A total of 3.21 crore electors, including 1.57 crore women and 792 third-gender voters, are eligible to cast their votes in this phase

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A total of 3.21 crore electors, including 1.57 crore women and 792 third-gender voters, are eligible to cast their votes in this phase

At the centre of the contest is Bhabanipur, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's political bastion, where she faces Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in a prestige battle seen as a symbolic rematch of Nandigram, where he had defeated her in 2021

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At the centre of the contest is Bhabanipur, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's political bastion, where she faces Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in a prestige battle seen as a symbolic rematch of Nandigram, where he had defeated her in 2021

Polling is being held at 41,001 stations, all of which are under webcasting surveillance

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Polling is being held at 41,001 stations, all of which are under webcasting surveillance

The Election Commission has deployed 2,321 companies of central forces across seven districts, with Kolkata receiving the highest deployment of 273 companies

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The Election Commission has deployed 2,321 companies of central forces across seven districts, with Kolkata receiving the highest deployment of 273 companies

Unlike the first phase, where the BJP sought to defend its north Bengal gains, the final round shifts the battle squarely to the TMC's strongest belt

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Unlike the first phase, where the BJP sought to defend its north Bengal gains, the final round shifts the battle squarely to the TMC's strongest belt

The first phase of the assembly elections on April 23 had recorded a turnout of 93.19 per cent - the highest ever in the state

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The first phase of the assembly elections on April 23 had recorded a turnout of 93.19 per cent - the highest ever in the state

As many as 142 general observers, 95 police observers and 100 expenditure observers have been deployed, while drones fitted with cameras are being used to monitor the polling process

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As many as 142 general observers, 95 police observers and 100 expenditure observers have been deployed, while drones fitted with cameras are being used to monitor the polling process

Counting of votes will take place on May 4

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Counting of votes will take place on May 4

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