Exit polls released after the final phase of voting in West Bengal suggest a closely contested election, with a “poll of polls” indicating that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may hold a slight edge over the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in some projections.

The estimates, which combine multiple exit poll surveys, point to a tight race in the state, reflecting a competitive political contest between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s TMC and the BJP. While some projections show the BJP ahead, others indicate that the TMC remains firmly in contention, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the final outcome.

The poll of polls aggregates data from different agencies to present a broader picture of voter sentiment. However, variations across surveys underline that the margin between the two major parties is narrow, and no clear consensus has emerged.

West Bengal’s election, held in two phases, has been one of the most closely watched political battles, drawing national attention due to the high-stakes contest between the incumbent leadership and the BJP’s aggressive campaign.

It is important to note that exit polls are only indicative and not definitive. Their accuracy depends on sampling methods and voter responses, and past trends have shown that final results can differ significantly from these projections.

The official results of the West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled to be announced on May 4, which will ultimately determine whether the TMC retains power or if the BJP manages to make a breakthrough in the state.

Voting for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections witnessed strong participation on Wednesday, with voter turnout crossing 60% by early afternoon.

Polling was underway across 142 constituencies spread over several districts, including key seats in Kolkata, with security tightened to ensure smooth conduct of elections. According to available data, voter turnout reached around 61% by 1 pm, reflecting steady participation since the morning hours.

The polling process began early in the day, with voters lining up outside booths in both urban and rural areas. Authorities deployed extensive security personnel across sensitive locations to maintain order and prevent disruptions.

This phase marks a crucial stage in the state elections, covering a large number of constituencies and involving a high-stakes contest among major political parties. The scale of polling and the number of seats make it a decisive segment in determining the overall outcome.

Administrative measures, including restrictions and monitoring, were put in place to ensure free and fair voting. Preparations had been completed in advance, with election officials focusing on logistics, security arrangements, and voter accessibility.

The Election Commission had earlier intensified deployment of forces and oversight mechanisms, aiming to avoid disturbances and ensure a peaceful voting environment across polling stations.

Polling is scheduled to continue until the evening, after which sealed electronic voting machines will be stored securely until counting day.

Voting for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections began on Wednesday with steady voter participation, even as reports of electronic voting machine (EVM) glitches and sporadic incidents of violence emerged from several areas.

According to early data, voter turnout reached around 18.39% by 9 am, indicating a moderate but steady response from voters in the initial hours of polling. Long queues were seen at multiple polling booths as people arrived early to cast their votes across key constituencies.

Technical issues and isolated incidents reported

Some polling stations reported EVM-related issues, which briefly slowed down the voting process before being addressed by officials. Alongside technical glitches, isolated incidents of clashes and tension were also reported, adding to the challenges during the early phase of polling.

Authorities have deployed extensive security arrangements, particularly in sensitive locations, to ensure that voting continues without major disruptions.

Political reactions surface as polling begins

Political leaders reacted sharply as polling got underway. Allegations of interference and attempts to influence voters were raised, while appeals were also made to ensure maximum voter participation.

The phase remains crucial in determining the electoral outcome across several important regions, with major parties closely contesting for dominance.