Elections – Second Phase Voting Begins in West Bengal’s Monteswar Seat
Elections – Voting for the second phase of the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections began on Wednesday in the Monteswar constituency under strict security arrangements.
Strong Voter Turnout Expected Early in the Day
From the early hours of the morning, long lines of voters were visible outside polling booths, including the Basanti Devi College polling station. The steady turnout signaled strong participation, particularly among women voters, continuing a pattern observed during the first phase held on April 23. Many elderly women were also seen arriving at polling centers, reflecting enthusiasm across age groups to take part in the democratic exercise.
Key Candidates in the Contest
The contest in Monteswar has drawn attention due to the presence of prominent political figures. The ruling Trinamool Congress has once again nominated sitting MLA and state minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury. He faces competition from Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Saikat Paja. The Congress has fielded Jyotirmoy Mandal, while the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has nominated Anupam Ghosh. The multi-cornered contest has made the seat one to watch in this phase of polling.
Internal Party Tensions Surface
Amid the election activity, internal differences within the ruling party have also come into focus. Reports suggest friction between Siddiqullah Chowdhury and Ahmed Hossain, a local Trinamool leader associated with the Panchayat Samiti. Though party leaders have not officially commented in detail, the issue has become a topic of discussion among voters in the region.
Local Concerns Over Development Issues
Voters in several parts of Monteswar have raised concerns about incomplete development work over the past five years. Residents in rural areas pointed out that many roads remain in poor condition, making travel particularly difficult during the monsoon season. Complaints have also emerged regarding inadequate drinking water supply and recurring waterlogging caused by insufficient drainage systems. These issues are expected to influence voter sentiment during the polling.
High Stakes in Second Phase Voting
The second phase of the election is significant, as it will determine the fate of 1,448 candidates across constituencies. Among them are 1,228 male candidates and 220 female candidates. The Election Commission has implemented extensive arrangements to ensure smooth and orderly voting, including security deployment and logistical support at polling stations.
Voter Demographics and Polling Arrangements
The election involves a vast electorate of over 3.22 crore voters. Of these, approximately 3.21 crore are general voters, while around 40,000 are classified as service voters. The voter base includes about 1.64 crore men and 1.57 crore women, along with 792 individuals identified as third gender voters.
Young voters aged 18 to 19 number more than 4.12 lakh, highlighting significant first-time participation. Additionally, over 3,200 voters are aged 100 years or above, demonstrating remarkable engagement across generations. The Election Commission has also ensured accessibility for more than 57,000 voters with disabilities.
To facilitate the process, a total of 41,001 polling stations have been set up, including 39,301 primary polling stations and 1,700 auxiliary centers. Authorities have emphasized that all necessary steps have been taken to conduct voting peacefully and efficiently.
First Phase Sets High Benchmark
The first phase of the election, conducted on April 23, recorded an impressive voter turnout of 91.78 percent. Election officials are closely monitoring whether the current phase can match or surpass that level of participation.
As voting continues, the focus remains on maintaining order and ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their vote without disruption.