‘BJP is forcefully rigging the election’: Mamata Banerjee alleges atrocities amid WB Phase 2 | WATCH

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday, alleging a coordinated effort to "forcefully rig the election" as the second and final phase of the state's Assembly polling gets underway.

Banerjee, who is contesting from the high-profile Bhabanipur seat, accused the opposition of perpetrating violence against Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and undermining the sanctity of the democratic process.

“Look how our worker was beaten up at night. Just look at this atrocity. What kind of hooliganism is going on? Voting does not happen like this. Voting happens peacefully. It is a festival of democracy,” Banerjee told reporters while visiting polling stations.

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The Chief Minister asserted that the alleged disruptions were a deliberate attempt by the BJP to manipulate the outcome. “But they have completely ruined it. The intention is very clear that the BJP wants to forcefully rig the election. Our workers and people are ready to die, but they will not leave the place,” she added.

Final Phase Overview

The final phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 involves a massive logistical undertaking, covering 142 of the state's 294 seats. This round follows a record-breaking voter turnout during the first phase on April 23 and is widely regarded as a critical "litmus test" for the ruling TMC, particularly as the contest moves into its strongholds in South Bengal and Kolkata.

The electorate for this phase totals approximately 3.21 crore, including 1.64 crore male voters, 1.57 crore female voters, and 792 third-gender voters. A total of 1,448 candidates are competing for seats, including 220 women.

Security and Management

To manage the scale of the election, authorities have established 41,001 polling stations. In a significant organisational feat, over 8,000 of these booths are being managed entirely by female staff.

The polling process was preceded by comprehensive mock trials to ensure the integrity of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Despite these measures, Banerjee’s allegations of "hooliganism" and "terrorism" highlight the intense political friction characterising the race.

Voters have until 6 p.m. to cast their ballots, with the final results of the 2026 Assembly elections scheduled to be announced on May 4.

With inputs from ANI