West Bengal Elections: Second phase of polling begins in 142 constituencies, CCTV cameras and security forces on high alert

Voting for the second and final phase of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections began today, April 29th. The Election Commission has made unprecedented security arrangements for the remaining 142 constituencies out of the state’s 294 seats . Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Agarwal clarified that all 142 constituencies are being directly monitored through CCTV cameras and webcasting to ensure the election process is completely transparent and fair . Officials are closely monitoring the activities at every booth from the main control room in Kolkata. The CEO made an impassioned appeal to voters to come out of their homes without fear and exercise their franchise peacefully. He emphasized that immediate and strict legal action will be taken against anyone who attempts to create disturbances or intimidate voters.

To tighten security, a heavy deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) has been made in sensitive areas. A 100-meter radius around polling stations has been declared a “no-go zone,” where only valid voters and authorized personnel can enter. The Commission has leveraged technology extensively this time; over 3,000 cameras and drones are being used to track crowds and suspicious activities outside polling stations. Special software is being used that can identify miscreants in the crowd. The administration aims to ensure a more peaceful election than in the 2021 elections, for which, along with the local police, paramilitary force commandos are conducting frequent patrols.

This phase is considered extremely important politically, as the fate of many prominent leaders of the state will be sealed in the EVMs. While Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of misusing central forces and rigging the elections, the BJP leadership has claimed “change” and good governance in Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also urged the people of Bengal, especially youth and women voters, to vote in record numbers through social media. Voting began at 7:00 am and will continue until 6:00 pm. Today’s voting will decide the future of power in Bengal, the results of which will be declared on May 4, 2026 .