LIVEWB Elections 2026 Phase 2 LIVE: Abhishek Banerjee casts vote, Mamata Banerjee makes poll day appearance, PM Modi urges record polling and more

EVM glitch triggers clash in Bally; 2 detained

A reported EVM glitch triggered a clash in Bally during polling, following which CRPF personnel detained two individuals.

Mamata Banerjee alleges 'interference' by observers

Chief Minister and TMC candidate from the Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency, Mamata Banerjee, raised concerns about the polling process. She claimed there was interference from outside observers and security personnel. She said, "...So many observers have come from outside. Whatever the BJP says, they are doing. Just look around, all our posters have been removed. Is this how polls take place? Votes will be cast by voters, not by the police or security forces. Some new people have recently been brought in, and they are doing whatever they want. They are doing terrorism."

Abhishek Banerjee casts vote at Mitra Institution in Bhabanipur

Abhishek Banerjee cast his vote at Mitra Institution in Bhabanipur, his designated polling booth, during the ongoing phase of elections.

In a first, Mamata Banerjee makes poll day appearance

Marking a rare change from her usual practice of not visiting places during voting, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was seen moving actively across the city on polling day. She first went to Firhad Hakim's residence and then toured several polling booths in the Kolkata Port Assembly Constituency area. This is the first time Banerjee has ventured out on voting day, as she has traditionally avoided such visits during elections.

Mahua Moitra casts vote in Nadia

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra voted at polling booth number 120, which is at Karimpur Girls High School, during the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.

EVM malfunction disrupts polling at Shantipur booth in Nadia

Polling was disrupted at a booth in Shantipur after an alleged EVM malfunction at Mollaber High School under the Babla panchayat. The issue briefly affected the voting process at the centre.

Phase 2 voting kicks off at 7 am as voters queue up early across Bengal

Voting for the second phase began at 7 am today, Wednesday, across 144 constituencies in seven districts. Like the first phase, voters have shown strong enthusiasm since early morning, with long queues seen outside polling booths even before voting commenced.

PM Modi calls for record voter turnout as Bengal votes in phase 2

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged voters in Bengal to turn out in record numbers for the second phase of polling, just as in the first phase. In an X post, Modi wrote, "Today is the second phase of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections 2026. I urge all those who are voting today to cast their votes in record numbers to make our democracy more vibrant and participatory. In particular, it is extremely urgent that the women and youth power of West Bengal turn out in large numbers to exercise their voting rights."

Bengal phase 2 voting today: Tight security across 142 seats

The second phase of elections is underway today, Wednesday, across 142 constituencies in seven districts. After a smooth first phase, the Election Commission has tightened security and surveillance for Bengal’s second phase to ensure peaceful polling. A total of 2,321 central force companies have been deployed, along with 142 General Observers and 95 Police Observers, reflecting stricter oversight by the Commission.