Voting has started on April 29, 2026, for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Over 3.21 crore voters across seven districts will cast their votes in 142 constituencies. This phase will determine the fate of 1,448 candidates, including several key political figures.
The districts involved are North 24 Parganas (33 seats), South 24 Parganas (31), Nadia (17), Howrah (16), Kolkata (11), Hooghly (18), and Purba Bardhaman (16). The election is particularly significant as it includes contests between prominent leaders. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, representing the Trinamool Congress, is running against BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur.
Other notable candidates include several ministers from the West Bengal government. Among them are Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas, Shashi Panja, and Bratya Basu, all contesting from constituencies in Kolkata and nearby areas. This phase is crucial as it will decide the political balance of more than half the state’s Assembly seats.
The election has drawn attention due to the presence of BJP heavyweights challenging Trinamool Congress candidates in their traditional strongholds, particularly in Kolkata. The outcome of these contests could significantly impact the overall results of the West Bengal Assembly elections.