The Election Commission of India has ordered fresh elections in Bengal’s Falta Assembly Constituency on May 21, 2026, holding voting across all 285 polling stations. The move follows reports of severe electoral offenses and alleged subversion of the democratic process during the April 29, 2026 polls. Vote counting is scheduled for May 24, 2026.
West Bengal’s final phase of assembly election polling wrapped up at 6 PM on Wednesday, with voter turnout reaching 91.41%. By 5 PM, Purba Bardhaman led the pack at 92.46%, followed by Hooghly (90.34%), Nadia (90.28%), Howrah (89.44%) and North 24 Parganas, while South 24 Parganas hovered just below 90%.
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged bias by central forces during phase 2 polling, saying CRPF personnel were seen supporting a particular political party. She urged election officials to let voters standing in queues until the end of polling cast their ballots. Banerjee also voiced disappointment over CRPF conduct, raising questions about neutrality in the voting process.
West Bengal’s second phase assembly polling turned tense as BJP and TMC agents clashed in Khanakul and Nadia. In Khanakul, voting restarted peacefully after what authorities described as a minor incident, with CRPF stepping in. In Nadia, violence and intimidation were reported and arrests were made, while BJP alleged attacks on booth agents. Turnout stood at 18.39 percent by 9 am.
Violence and vandalism marred the early hours of West Bengal’s second phase assembly elections on Wednesday, with incidents reported from Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala and Bhangar. A BJP polling agent was allegedly assaulted in Chapra, while a BJP camp office in Shantipur was vandalised, raising concerns over law and order as voting began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to turn out in large numbers as West Bengal began phase two polling for the 2026 Assembly elections. Voting is underway in 142 constituencies, with election authorities deploying extensive arrangements to maintain smooth, peaceful polling across regions. The phase is seen as critical to determining the state’s electoral trajectory.
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West Bengal will vote in Phase 2 of the Assembly Election 2026 on April 29, with a public holiday declared in polling constituencies. As a result, schools, colleges, offices, and banks will remain closed in affected areas, while essential services like healthcare, emergency response, transport, and utilities will continue as usual. Voters are urged to plan ahead.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a Vijay Sankalp rally in Barrackpore, calling it his final public meeting in West Bengal before the next phase of polling. He emphasized his longstanding ties with the state and asserted confidence that BJP will win after the May 4 results, signaling a likely sweep and framing the rally as a step toward oath-taking.
Kamal Haasan and his daughter Shruti Haasan cast their votes at the Alwarpet School polling booth in Chennai during the Tamil Nadu State Assembly Elections. The celebrity duo, however, sparked a “VIP treatment” row after they were seen allegedly skipping parts of the polling queue, prompting public backlash and debate over fairness at polling stations.
West Bengal assembly voting began but faced immediate disruption as EVM glitches delayed polling at stations across districts including Murshidabad, Purba Medinipur, Cooch Behar, Malda, and Darjeeling. Overnight, reports of violence emerged, including crude bomb hurling and attacks on political workers. Security forces have been deployed as authorities respond to the incidents.
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Tamil Nadu Assembly polls are underway, but TVK chief Vijay has urged the Election Commission to extend voting by two hours, until 8 PM. Citing long queues and slow polling that may discourage voters, he also asked for emergency public transport and stronger supervision at booths to keep the process moving smoothly.
Voting began across Tamil Nadu for the Assembly election on Thursday, with DMK and AIADMK among the main contenders. Prominent political leaders and actors cast their votes early, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged especially enthusiastic participation from youth and women. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called for a government that prioritizes public aspirations as polling gets underway.
Ahead of West Bengal’s phase 1 polling, appellate tribunals under the Calcutta High Court’s supervision have reinstated voting rights for 139 people who were earlier marked ineligible. The tribunals’ orders have sparked fresh efforts to help these voters cast ballots, even as legal challenges question parts of the tribunal process.
The Election Commission has directed West Bengal candidates to remain within their respective constituencies from April 23 through the polling period to protect a free and fair vote. The second phase of polling is scheduled for April 29, with results expected on May 4. The rule aims to reduce intimidation and ensure voters can cast ballots without fear.
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