“Voting without fear”: PM Modi hails record turnout in West Bengal polls

Addressing a public gathering in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi after inaugurating the Ganga Expressway, Modi said, “What we are witnessing in Bengal today is unprecedented.”

“Just like in the first phase, people are coming out in large numbers to cast their votes. Images of long queues are going viral on social media. Voting in Bengal is taking place in a fearless atmosphere. This was unimaginable in the last six or seven decades,” he said, as polling continued across 142 constituencies.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the people of West Bengal for their enthusiastic participation and urged remaining voters to turn out in the final hours of polling.

West Bengal voted in two phases this election cycle, with the first phase held on April 23.

Phase 2 Polling Underway

Voting is underway in the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, covering 142 constituencies across seven key districts.

The spotlight remains on Bhabanipur, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faces a high-stakes contest against Suvendu Adhikari.

Key districts in this phase include North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas (64 seats combined), Hooghly (18), Nadia (17), Howrah (16), East Burdwan (16), and Kolkata (11).

Polling began early amid tight security, with central forces deployed across sensitive areas to ensure a smooth and peaceful voting process.