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Police observers dancing to BJP tunes: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the police observers of dancing to the tunes of the BJP.

"They (police observers) are dancing to the tunes of the BJP. It is not the police and the security forces, but the people who will cast their vote," she said at an interaction with the media in Kolkata today.

She also said that the Election Commission (EC) is "openly harassing and tormenting us".

"We have sent a contempt of court notice, yet countless outside observers have been brought in here. They are clearly dancing to the tunes of the BJP... Go to Chakraberia and you will see for yourself that all our posters have been removed. Is this the way elections are meant to be conducted? It is not the police and the security forces, but the people who will cast their vote. They have brought in some people from outside, and these people are doing nothing but spreading fear and terror among the voters. They will leave soon," she said.

EVM non-functional issues reported in various constituencies

There are reports of EVMs not working in Jadavpur, Sonarpur Uttar, Ranaghat Uttar Paschim, Sonarpur Dakshin, Palashipara and Kaliganj constituencies' polling booths.

Violence, vandalism reported during early hours of voting in Bengal

Incidents of violence and vandalism were reported from parts of West Bengal during the early hours of voting in the second phase of the Assembly elections on Wednesday, police said.

The incidents were reported from multiple locations, including Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala and Bhangar, they said.

A BJP polling agent was allegedly assaulted by "miscreants linked to the ruling TMC" at booth number 53 in Chapra in Nadia district, party leaders said.

A senior police officer said the person, identified as Mosharef Mir, was admitted to a local hospital.

BJP candidate Saikat Sarkar said the incident took place after mock poll began.

"TMC supporters obstructed the BJP agent and hit him on the head, causing injury," Sarkar said.

A complaint has been lodged with the local police station, though the TMC denied the allegations.

The injured person said that 15-16 TMC supporters charged at him, with one person carrying a gun. He said he was assaulted with a rod, following which he collapsed on the ground.

In Shantipur, a BJP camp office in ward number 16 was found vandalised on Wednesday morning, with furniture smashed, triggering tension in the area, police said.

In Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district, allegations surfaced that an ISF agent was prevented from entering a polling booth, sparking unrest.

ISF leader Arabul Islam claimed, "Agents' forms are being snatched and they are being thrown out... Women are not being allowed to vote. We placed agents so that everyone can vote." Voting was delayed at booth number 140 in Nimtala, where polling had not begun even by 7.30 am, leading to tension among voters.

"We have sought reports from the respective officials posted in these areas. They have been asked to ensure that polling is free and fair and everyone can participate without intimidation," an official from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said.

Meanwhile, police issued a warning to Kartik Banerjee, brother of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, as well as TMC workers, who gathered close to a polling booth, stating that no more than four people would be allowed to gather at a spot, officials said.

An Uttar Pradesh Police officer, Ajay Pal Sharma, was seen touring Falta in South 24 Parganas district with a convoy since morning. Heavy central force deployment was reported in Diamond Harbour and Falta, with units of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) stationed to maintain order.

Mamata visits polling booths in her Bhabanipur constituency

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday visited various booths in her Bhabanipur Assembly constituency where polling is underway.

The Bhabanipur Assembly segment is Banerjee’s political bastion, where she faces Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in a prestige battle seen as a symbolic rematch of Nandigram, where he had defeated her in 2021.

The TMC chief generally goes out of her Kalighat residence in the afternoon on the polling day to cast her vote at Mitra Institution school.

She, however, went out before 8 am to visit various polling stations in the Bhabanipur assembly segment, including those in the Chetla area, in south Kolkata.

PM Modi appeals to people of West Bengal to cast votes in 'record numbers'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the people of West Bengal to cast their votes in "record numbers" in the second phase of polling that is being held today.

Modi particularly urged women and youth to exercise their franchise.

Voting has started in 142 constituencies of West Bengal in the second and final phase of polling.

"Today is Phase-2 of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. Urging all those voting today to do so in record numbers and make our democracy more vibrant as well as participative. It is important that the women and youth of West Bengal, in particular, turnout in large numbers and exercise their franchise," Modi said in a message.

The prime minister said that as vigilant citizens of the nation, it is everyone's duty to ensure record voter turnout to further empower democracy.

"In this way, we can not only actively participate in the reconstruction of India, but also strengthen the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation," he said.

First phase of polling for 152 seats -- out of the 294 member West Bengal assembly -- was held on April 23.

Voters queue up outside a polling booth

Voters are seen outside a polling booth in North 24 Parganas.

Mock polls underway

Mock polls are underway at the polling booth number 232 under 201 Goghat Assembly constituency for Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections.