Election Atmosphere at Its Peak
The political temperature in West Bengal has reached a high as the 2026 विधानसभा elections enter a crucial phase. The Election Commission of India has confirmed that all arrangements for the second phase are complete. This phase is considered critical in determining the overall direction of the election results.

Phase 2 Voting Schedule
Under Phase 2, voting will take place on April 29 across 142 constituencies. Polling will begin at 7 AM and continue till evening. The first phase, held on April 23 across 152 seats, witnessed an impressive voter turnout of around 93%. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. The state has a total of 294 seats, with 148 required for a majority.

Candidates and Key Figures
The nomination and scrutiny process for Phase 2 has been completed. After withdrawals, a total of 1,448 candidates remain in the fray for this phase. In comparison, 1,478 candidates contested in Phase 1. Altogether, 2,926 candidates are contesting across both phases, reflecting intense political competition.

Importance of Border Constituencies
A notable feature of these elections is that 78 constituencies are located along the international border. These seats are considered highly sensitive from both security and strategic perspectives. Additional security forces have been deployed, and strict monitoring is in place to ensure a smooth electoral process.

Security and Administrative Preparedness
The administration has made extensive arrangements to ensure free and fair elections. Campaigning for Phase 2 ended at 5 PM on April 26, after which security forces intensified their presence. Central forces conducted route marches in sensitive areas, and officials reviewed preparedness in key districts like Howrah. Robust security measures have been implemented at all polling stations.

Digital Transparency Measures
To enhance transparency and voter awareness, the Election Commission has made candidate affidavits, criminal records, and other details available through its official mobile application. This allows voters to make informed decisions.

Key Contest: TMC vs BJP
The main political contest in this election is between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Both parties are contesting aggressively, and the outcome of Phase 2 is expected to significantly influence the final result.