Women voters turned out strongly in West Bengal’s assembly elections, with BJP’s welfare promises and emphasis on women’s safety drawing notable attention. TMC’s flagship scheme faced tougher competition, while concerns over employment and recruitment scams also influenced choices. Analysts say the pattern could signal a broader shift in how parties craft outreach and win key constituencies.
The BJP recorded notable wins in the West Bengal Assembly elections, with leaders like Dilip Ghosh and Suvendu Adhikari retaining seats and the party making gains with new faces. It also managed to hold onto several strongholds. Yet despite the overall saffron momentum, some prominent BJP candidates were still defeated in pivotal constituencies.
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As West Bengal heads into vote counting, tensions between TMC and BJP have intensified. TMC MP Saugata Roy alleged irregularities in the strong room security, claiming attempts to tamper with the counting process. He urged authorities to conduct vigilant monitoring as counting nears. The stakes are especially high after the state recorded a historic 91.66% voter turnout in Phase II.
With West Bengal campaigning wrapped up, the focus shifts to the voting window and the first exit poll signals. A media silence period runs until 6:00 PM on April 29, restricting election content. Multiple states exit polls will be released after 6:30 PM, while vote counting is set for May 4.
West Bengal’s 2026 election is turning into a contest of narratives where parties court voters through Bengali cultural cues. The TMC leans on Bengali identity and shared symbols, while the BJP tries to broaden its appeal beyond familiar lines. From food to festivals, campaigns are built to trigger affinity—then tested against real governance concerns. The result could signal where loyalty is shifting.
Voting at a booth in Mothabari constituency in Malda was disrupted when an alleged EVM malfunction occurred at Balua Chara High School. Reports say the sector officer absconded as polling hit a pause, escalating scrutiny amid the TMC vs BJP contest. The incident unfolded as Phase 1 voting continues across 152 constituencies in the West Bengal polls.
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