EVM ‘glitches’, TMC ‘goons’ and a dare for Narendra Modi: A look at Phase 2 voting in West Bengal Assembly elections 2026

As Phase 2 polling in the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 got underway, scattered incidents of tension and political clashes were reported, with the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trading allegations of violence and voter intimidation.

Phase 2 polling: 10 key developments

1. Mamata, Suvendu face off at same booth
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari arrived at the same polling booth in Chakraberia, Bhabanipur, early in the day. The seat is a high-stakes contest and a rematch of Nandigram election 2021, where Adhikari had defeated Banerjee.

2. War of words at polling station
Adhikari said he would not allow “hooliganism,” while Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to rig the election using central forces and officials. Some voters alleged intimidation from both sides.

3. TMC alleges ‘terror’, BJP counters
Banerjee accused BJP-backed elements and central forces of intimidating TMC workers, even alleging late-night visits by personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force. The BJP rejected the claims and accused TMC of orchestrating violence.

4. Mamata breaks polling-day routine
Departing from her usual schedule, Banerjee began visiting booths early in the morning across Bhabanipur, signalling the importance of the contest in south Bengal.

5. BJP alleges attack on polling agent
In Nadia’s Chapra, the BJP claimed its polling agent was assaulted during a mock poll, while the TMC denied the allegation. A BJP camp office was also found vandalised in Shantipur.

6. EVM glitch triggers tension
Voting was briefly disrupted in Bally, Howrah, due to an EVM malfunction. The situation escalated, prompting a lathi charge by central forces. Two people were detained.

7. Violence, protests and arms recovery
Tensions flared in multiple areas. In Panihati, BJP candidate Ratna Debnath faced protests. In Jagaddal, the recovery of a firearm near a polling booth triggered panic before security forces intervened. BJP candidate Bikash Sardar alleged his vehicle was attacked by TMC workers.

8. Political challenge to PM
TMC MP Derek O’Brien challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign if the TMC wins the election, escalating political rhetoric.

9. Drone surveillance in sensitive zones
Security was tightened in Bhangar, with Kolkata Police deploying drones and senior officers to monitor the situation and prevent violence.

10. EVM tampering allegation in Falta
BJP leader Amit Malviya alleged that EVM buttons were tampered with in Falta to block votes for the party, demanding a repoll. The TMC has not accepted the charge.