Amit Shah Urges High Turnout As Bengal Voting Sees Early Friction

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday called on voters in West Bengal to participate in large numbers during the ongoing second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, saying the vote was an opportunity to move beyond fear and corruption.

Taking to X, Shah posted, “I appeal to all voters of the second and final phase to come out in large numbers to vote, especially mothers, sisters, and youth, to free Bengal from the reign of fear, syndicates, and corruption.”

“Your one vote will not only restore Bengal’s pride but also become a means to ensure the safety of women. Only a government that has both a vision for development and the resolve to identify and expel infiltrators can fulfil the dreams of Bengal’s youth,” the post read.

Polling began at 7 AM across 142 constituencies, including Kolkata and six other districts.

Despite tight security arrangements, some areas reported minor disturbances during the early hours.

In the Bhabanipur constituency, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting against BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, central forces cautioned Kartik Banerjee for gathering with more people than permitted near a police station.

Elsewhere, in the neighbouring Rashbehari constituency, tensions surfaced after the Congress alleged that its booth agents were prevented from entering a polling station by workers of the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Voting is continuing under heavy security deployment, with authorities monitoring the situation closely.

Also Read: West Bengal Phase 2 Polling Begins With Reports Of Incidents Across Key Seats