The second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is underway today, April 29, with voting scheduled from 7 AM across 142 constituencies. This phase covers crucial regions including Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman, shifting the electoral spotlight to the ruling party’s stronghold.
A total of 1,448 candidates are in the fray, comprising 1,228 men and 220 women. The outcome will play a significant role in shaping the political balance in South Bengal.
Voter strength and polling arrangements
More than 3.22 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes today. Among them are 3.21 crore general electors and close to 40,000 service voters. The electorate includes 1.64 crore men, 1.57 crore women and 792 third gender voters.
Young voters form a notable segment, with over 4.12 lakh in the 18–19 age group. Additionally, more than 3,200 centenarian voters are eligible, along with over 57,000 persons with disabilities.
To manage the polling process, the Election Commission has set up 41,001 polling stations, including 39,301 main stations and 1,700 auxiliary booths. Special arrangements include 8,845 all-women-managed booths, 13 managed by persons with disabilities and 258 model polling stations. Webcasting facilities have been enabled across all booths.
What’s closed today?
A special election holiday has been declared in constituencies going to the polls today.
Banks will remain shut in these areas, but will function normally where voting was completed on April 23.
Government offices in polling constituencies will remain closed.
Schools and colleges across the state, both government and private, will not operate today.
What remains open
Despite polling, several essential and daily services continue without disruption.
Public transport services, including buses, trains, trams and autos are running.
Emergency services such as hospitals, ambulances, fire services and pharmacies remain operational.
Also Read | West Bengal Phase 2 election: 2,400 CAPF companies on duty, 41,001 polling stations set up
Shops, markets and malls are open, with regular business expected.
Stock markets, including the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange, are functioning as usual.
High-stakes contest in South Bengal
The seats voting today are seen as a key battleground for the ruling All India Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee. The Bharatiya Janata Party is aiming to expand its presence in these regions after its strong showing in north Bengal during the first phase held on April 23.
The broader election is widely viewed as a direct contest between the TMC and BJP. Results for all phases will be declared on May 4, alongside assembly election outcomes from Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
