West Bengal Election 2026 Results Live Updates: BJP candidates visit temples in their constituencies day before results
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  • West Bengal Election 2026 Results Live Updates: BJP candidates visit temples in their constituencies day before results
THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 04, 2026, 09:32:18 IST
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West Bengal Election 2026 Results Live Updates: BJP candidates visit temples in their constituencies day before results

The counting of votes for 293 out of West Bengal’s 294 assembly constituencies will be held on Monday.

The Election Commission has ordered repolling in Falta on May 21 due to reported widespread electoral malpractices during the second and final phase of polling on April 29. For Falta, counting will take place on May 24.

West Bengal voted in two phases and recorded an unprecedented turnout of over 90% in each. While 152 of the 294 seats went to polls on April 23, the remaining 142 constituencies voted on April 29.

On Saturday, repolling was conducted in Magrahat Paschim (11 booths) and Diamond Harbour (four booths). Voter turnout stood at 87.6% and 86.11%, respectively, till 5 pm.

On Sunday, a day ahead of counting, BJP candidates are visiting temples in their respective constituencies, as announced by the party.

Most exit polls have given the BJP an edge, with some even projecting a landslide victory as it seeks to form its first government in the state.
14:03 (IST) May 02
West Bengal repolling: Turnout crosses 56% in Magrahat Paschim, 54.6% in Diamond Harbour by 1 pm
Till 1 pm, an approximate voter turnout of 56.33% was recorded in Magrahat Paschim assembly constituency, while Diamond Harbour reported 54.6%, as repolling continues under tight security.
14:02 (IST) May 02
Peaceful re-polling at 15 booths in Bengal so far, 16.23 pc polling in 1st two hours

The re-polling at 15 polling booths under two Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, that started since 7 A.M. on Saturday has been peaceful so far.

The polling process is going on under blanket security coverage of central forces assisted by personnel from the state police forces


The average polling percentage in all the 15 polling booths combined had been 16.23 in the first two hours of polling till 9 A.M.


The average polling percentage for the 11 polling booths under the Magrahat (Paschim) Assembly constituency stood at 16.58 till 9 A.M. On the other hand, the average polling percentage in the four polling booths under Diamond Harbour constituency had been 15.83 per cent, as per figures provided by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal.


Even the voters standing at the queues of the polling booths, both in Diamond Harbour and Magrahat (Paschim) constituencies, told media persons that there had been absolutely no tension on the re-polling day.


However, some of the voters standing in queues in some booths at Magrahat (Paschim) said they did not understand the justification for re-polling in their respective booths. They contended that they did not witness any violence on the main polling day which was on April 29.


Voting is taking place at booths 46, 126, 127, 128, 142, 214, 215, 216, 230, 231, 232 in Magrahat (Paschim) and 117, 179, 194, 243 in Diamond Harbour.


Officially, the polling at these 15 booths will continue till 6 P.M. However, in case some voters are found standing at the queue at 6 P.M., then polling will continue until the last voter will cast his vote.


Both Diamond Harbour and Magrahat (Paschim) Assembly constituencies went for polls in the second phase of the two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal on April 29.

The two-phase Assembly polls in West Bengal were conducted on April 23 and April 29. In the first phase, there was polling for 152 Assembly constituencies and in the second phase there was polling for the remaining 142 Assembly constituencies.

The counting will be conducted on May 4 and the results will be declared on the same day.

12:31 (IST) May 02
Bengal repoll: Turnout crosses 38% in Magrahat Paschim; 36% in Diamond Harbour by 11 am
11:38 (IST) May 02
‘Vote counting delay scam’: TMC’s Saket Gokhale alleges ECI bias, market manipulation
Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale has alleged irregularities in the vote counting schedule, questioning the delay between polling and counting in multiple states.

In a post on X, Gokhale said, "The vote counting delay scam. The final phase of voting in Bengal completed on 29th April Tamil Nadu voted on 23rd April Assam & Kerala voted on 9th April With EVMs which are digital, why does the ECI need over 4 days for starting the counting process? Counting can easily begin within 48 hours of voting. Besides, counting for Assam & Kerala didn’t have to wait till 4th May (after 24 days of voting). Simple - it gives BJP enough time to play the markets using fake exit polls. During Lok Sabha 2024, ordinary investors lost Rs 31 lakh crore after exit polls gave 400+ to NDA. The results turned out to be the opposite. This is a racket worth lakhs of crores & the ECI & SEBI are colluding to help BJP make money."

The Election Commission has not yet responded to the allegations.
11:01 (IST) May 02
'TMC representative will be there during counting of votes': SC hears plea on counting staff
The Supreme Court of India on Saturday dismissed a plea by the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) challenging the deployment of Central government and PSU employees as counting supervisors for the West Bengal assembly elections, while recording the Election Commission of India’s statement that its April 13 circular will be implemented in letter and spirit.
The plea had been filed against a Calcutta High Court order which had earlier rejected TMC’s challenge to the counting arrangement.

A special bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi heard the matter, with counting of votes scheduled to be held on May 4.

During the hearing, the bench observed that TMC representatives would be present during the counting of votes and said that the EC’s circular is not contrary to the rules.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing along with Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora for AITC, questioned the directive, submitting that the April 13 circular came to the petitioner’s knowledge only on April 29, despite claims of prior notice. He also questioned the basis of the EC’s apprehension of wrongdoing.

Senior Advocate D. S. Naidu, appearing for the Election Commission, submitted that the Returning Officer, a State Government employee, retains overarching control over the counting process and selects personnel. He said the April 13 circular on deployment of Central government staff will be followed in letter and spirit and argued that the concerns raised were based on “misplaced apprehensions.” He added that one State government employee and one Central government employee would be appointed as counting supervisor and counting assistant.

Justice Bagchi observed that describing a counting official as a Central Government nominee “hardly matters,” and said such decisions fall within the subjective satisfaction of the Election Commission of India. He also noted that party-appointed counting agents would be present and that the counting framework already includes a micro-observer who is a Central Government officer, along with counting supervisors and assistants.

The Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, had moved the Supreme Court after the High Court dismissed its plea challenging the counting arrangement.
10:29 (IST) May 02
West Bengal repolls: EVM malfunction halts voting for an hour at Diamond Harbour polling station

Voting was briefly suspended for nearly an hour at a polling station in Diamond Harbour during the repoll after an electronic voting machine malfunction, officials said, with polling resuming once the issue was

10:19 (IST) May 02
West Bengal elections: AITC files complaint against returning officer over alleged postal ballot sorting
The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has filed a complaint against the Returning Officer at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, seeking urgent intervention over alleged unauthorised sorting of postal ballot covers.
10:02 (IST) May 02
West Bengal repolling: Over 16% turnout recorded by 9 am in Magrahat Paschim, Diamond Harbour

Till 9 am, an approximate voter turnout of 16.68% was recorded in Magrahat Paschim assembly constituency, while Diamond Harbour saw 15.83% turnout, as repolling is underway amid tight security arrangements.

09:56 (IST) May 02
South 24 Parganas: A voter complains at booth no. 243, Roynagar Primary School in Diamond Harbour constituency, claiming that they have been waiting for more than half an hour as EVM is malfunctioning here
09:30 (IST) May 02
Long queues of voters at the Bahirpuya Kurkuriya F.P. School polling booths (No 230, 231, and 232) at Magrahat Paschim Assembly Constituency of South 24 Parganas
08:26 (IST) May 02
Heavy security deployment near Magrahat Paschim Assembly Constituency in South 24 Parganas district, where re-polling started at 7 am.
08:02 (IST) May 02
Voters queue up outside the polling booth at Uttar Yearpur F.P. School in Magrahat Paschim Assembly Constituency in South 24 Parganas district, as they await their turn to cast a vote
07:47 (IST) May 02
West Bengal Election 2026: 'EC-BJP connivance clear, trust destroyed': Bengal Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar hits out
West Bengal Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar alleged collusion between the Election Commission and the BJP, claiming public faith in the poll body has eroded. He also criticised exit polls as “propaganda” aiding the BJP, while urging all parties to wait for final results and expressing confidence in voters’ judgement.
07:32 (IST) May 02
A voter shows her inked finger after casting a vote at booth number 117, Bagda Junior High School, in Diamond Harbour Assembly Constituency in South 24 Parganas district.
07:12 (IST) May 02
West Bengal Elections 2026 Repolls Live Updates: Voters express confidence ahead of Diamond Harbour repoll
A voter expressed satisfaction with arrangements ahead of repolling, saying the process appeared smooth and secure.

“I woke up at 6 am today… The arrangements are good, and we have no reason to fear. Good work has been done, and we hope it gets even better,” a voter said.

Polling is underway under heightened security at selected booths, following earlier complaints of irregularities.
07:00 (IST) May 02
West Bengal Elections 2026 Repolls Live Updates: Repolling begins in Magrahat Paschim, Diamond Harbour booths
Repolling has begun in West Bengal for the assembly elections, with voting underway at 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four booths in Diamond Harbour.

Polling started at 7 am amid tight security arrangements, following complaints of irregularities during the initial phase of voting.

Election officials are closely monitoring the process to ensure free and fair polling, as the repolling is expected to be crucial in closely contested constituencies.
06:57 (IST) May 02
West Bengal Elections 2026 Repolls Live Updates: Voters queuing up outside the polling booth
06:44 (IST) May 02
The Election Commission has ordered repolling in 15 polling stations across two constituencies in West Bengal following the second phase of Assembly elections held on April 29. Fresh polling will take place on May 2 between 7 am and 6 pm in South 24 Parganas district, covering 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour.

The poll body said the decision was based on reports from returning officers and election observers, declaring the earlier voting in these booths void under provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Authorities have been directed to ensure wide publicity of the repoll, including informing candidates and local voters.
06:28 (IST) May 02
West Bengal Elections 2026 Repolls Live Updates: Allegations of EVM tampering surface
Reports of EVM tampering have been central to the controversy surrounding the affected booths. Party symbols on some machines were covered with tape, potentially confusing voters.

The issue was reportedly corrected later in the day, but not before a large number of votes had already been cast. These allegations prompted intervention by election observers, who flagged the matter in their reports. The Election Commission took note of these findings while deciding to order repolling in selected booths.
06:27 (IST) May 02
West Bengal Elections 2026 Repolls Live Updates: Political blame game intensifies
The repoll decision has triggered sharp political reactions from both the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. While the BJP has welcomed the move, it has argued that irregularities were more widespread and warranted broader action.

The TMC, meanwhile, has questioned the conduct of election officials and alleged lack of transparency in certain procedures. Leaders from both parties have exchanged allegations, turning the repoll into a key political flashpoint.

The developments reflect the high-stakes nature of the election and the deep contest between the two camps.
06:27 (IST) May 02
West Bengal Elections 2026 Repolls Live Updates: High turnout raises stakes in Bengal polls
West Bengal has witnessed exceptionally high voter participation, with turnout exceeding 90 percent in both phases held so far. This surge in voter engagement has heightened the stakes in the ongoing electoral contest, particularly in politically crucial constituencies.

The repoll adds another layer of significance, as even minor variations in turnout or voting patterns could influence final results. Political parties are closely monitoring developments, aware that these booths could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome when votes are counted on May 4.
06:26 (IST) May 02
West Bengal Elections 2026 Repolls Live Updates: Security tightened, vigilance increased
Authorities have deployed security personnel at the same scale as earlier phases but with enhanced vigilance to prevent any untoward incidents. Special focus has been placed on sensitive polling stations, with additional monitoring mechanisms and quick-response teams in place.

Officials said that lessons from earlier disruptions have been incorporated into the repoll strategy, ensuring smoother operations. Surveillance systems have been checked and reinforced, while polling staff have been briefed on strict compliance protocols.

The aim is to conduct voting in a controlled and transparent environment, restoring voter confidence.
06:25 (IST) May 02
West Bengal Elections 2026 Repolls Live Updates: Why the Election Commission ordered repoll
The Election Commission ordered repolling after reports highlighted serious irregularities during the April 29 voting. Key concerns included non-functional CCTV cameras, which disrupted real-time monitoring, and allegations of EVM tampering in certain booths.

In some instances, party symbols were reportedly covered using tape, raising questions about voter choice.

Although officials later addressed the issue, a significant percentage of votes had already been cast by then. Based on reports from observers and returning officers, the poll body declared voting in these booths void and directed fresh polling to ensure fairness.
06:25 (IST) May 02
West Bengal Elections 2026 Repolls Live Updates: Repolling to begin at 7 am across 15 booths
Repolling will commence at 7 am in 15 polling stations across Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas, under heightened security arrangements.

Election officials have ensured early deployment of personnel and monitoring systems to prevent any recurrence of irregularities reported during the previous phase.

Authorities are expecting a steady turnout throughout the day.

The Election Commission has reiterated that the repoll is being conducted under strict guidelines to maintain transparency, credibility and public confidence in the electoral process. Polling will continue till 6 pm.
As announced by the BJP, its candidates in West Bengal are visiting temples across their respective constituencies on Sunday, a day ahead of the counting of votes for the state assembly elections.

The polling was conducted in two phases, with 152 constituencies voting on April 23 and the remaining 142 on April 29.

The Election Commission ordered repolling in two constituencies—Magrahat Paschim (11 booths) and Diamond Harbour (four booths)—after detecting irregularities during the original voting process. After repolling on Saturday, voter turnout stood at 87.6% in Magrahat Paschim and 86.11% in Diamond Harbour till 5 pm, broadly matching the over 90% turnout recorded across both phases.

Later, the poll body directed a repoll across all 285 booths in the Falta constituency, citing widespread electoral malpractices during the second phase of voting. The repolling will be held on May 21 followed by counting on May 24.

In West Bengal, the main contest is between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Led by chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who also heads the TMC, the party, which first came to power in 2011, is seeking a fourth consecutive term in office.

The BJP, meanwhile, is aiming to secure its first government in the state. The saffron party established itself as the principal opposition in 2021 after winning 77 seats, its highest-ever tally in West Bengal.