The long-awaited verdict day for the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 has arrived, with counting of votes commencing at 8 am across 293 constituencies. This marks the culmination of an intense and prolonged campaign that has kept the nation's attention firmly fixed on the state. The central question is whether the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) can secure a fourth term under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can achieve a significant breakthrough in this key battleground.
Counting Under Tight Security
Votes are being counted at 77 centres spread across the state, all operating under a multi-layered security grid. The Election Commission has deployed central forces, CCTV surveillance, and a large number of observers to ensure a smooth and transparent process. Strongrooms housing the electronic voting machines (EVMs) remain under round-the-clock security, with the Commission dismissing allegations of tampering that were raised by some parties ahead of counting day.
Record Turnout and SIR Concerns
The elections, held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, recorded a voter turnout of 92.47 per cent, the highest in the state since Independence. Repolling in select booths also saw strong participation. However, this high turnout is being viewed in the context of the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which led to the removal of nearly 90 lakh names. The impact of this revision is expected to be a key factor in the final outcome, as parties interpret the turnout differently: the TMC sees it as endorsement of its governance, while the BJP reads it as a demand for change.
High-Decibel Campaign by Key Players
The campaign saw top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, leading an aggressive push against Mamata Banerjee and her party. They focused on issues such as corruption, governance, and law and order. In response, the TMC centred its campaign on welfare delivery, regional identity, and sharp criticism of the SIR exercise. The exchange was marked by sharp political rhetoric and high-voltage rallies across the state.
Opposition Looks to Regain Ground
Apart from the two main contenders, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Congress are also looking to regain lost ground. Both parties, which once dominated the state's political landscape, saw their presence diminish in the previous election. Their performance in this election will be crucial in determining whether they can re-emerge as significant players in Bengal's evolving political scenario.
Key Constituencies and Exit Polls
The spotlight is firmly on Bhabanipur, where Mamata Banerjee faces Suvendu Adhikari in a high-profile rematch. The result here carries symbolic weight and could have wider political implications. Exit polls have painted a mixed picture: some give the BJP a narrow edge, while others predict a strong TMC comeback. The poll of polls suggests a near tie, indicating that the final outcome could swing either way depending on counting-day trends.
Allegations of Irregularities
On the eve of counting, Mamata Banerjee alleged deliberate load-shedding in several areas near strongrooms, including Serampore, Krishnanagar, Ausgram, and Kolkata's Kshudiram Anushilan Kendra. She claimed power cuts led to CCTV shutdowns and suspicious vehicle movements, and urged party workers to stay awake all night to guard the votes. The Election Commission has not yet commented on these allegations.
With 293 seats going to results and one delayed due to countermanding, the outcome is expected to significantly shape the state's political trajectory and influence national political dynamics in the run-up to future elections.
