Meanwhile, the Election Commission is examining complaints and representations linked to the second phase of polling before deciding on repolling in identified booths.
New Delhi: The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) fact-checking unit on Friday dismissed as fake a report circulating on social media that claimed to be an Intelligence Bureau (IB) assessment on the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
In a post on X, PIB Fact Check said: “A report titled ‘Preliminary Assessment of West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026’ is circulating on social media, claiming to have been issued by the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
PIB Fact Check: This report is FAKE. The Intelligence Bureau has NOT issued any such report. Always VERIFY such news only through official government sources. Help STOP misinformation. Flag suspicious content to @PIBFactCheck.”
EC reviews repoll demands in South 24 Parganas
Meanwhile, the Election Commission is examining complaints and representations linked to the second phase of polling before deciding on repolling in identified booths. Officials said the exercise is part of the routine post-poll assessment to ensure free and fair elections.
An official said earlier on Thursday that the Commission is considering demands for repolling in 77 booths across four Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district following the April 29 voting.
Officials added that security arrangements and polling data from the affected booths are also under review as part of the ongoing process.
Heavy turnout recorded in final phase
The second and final phase of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections recorded heavy voter participation, with polling held across 142 constituencies in seven districts.
The state reported a turnout of over 92.6 per cent in Phase 2, contributing to an overall turnout of nearly 93 per cent across both phases, described as the highest since Independence.
Around 3.21 crore voters were eligible in this phase. Polling was conducted under tight security arrangements, with reports of sporadic violence in some areas.
Counting on May 4
The election is set to determine whether the ruling dispensation retains power or a change in government takes place. Counting is scheduled for May 4.
Published: 01 May 2026, 03:39 pm IST
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