West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: Polling to continue beyond 6 pm if voters are still standing in queues, directs CEC

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has directed officials that polling must continue for the second phase of 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal beyond 6 p.m. if voters are still standing in queues outside polling stations.

During the final hours of the second phase of polling, Kumar spoke to Special Observer Subrata Gupta and issued specific instructions regarding the voting process.

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Kumar stated that any voter present in line before the stipulated closing time will be allowed to cast their vote, even after official polling hours.

Further, the Election Commission has clarified that misleading rumours were being circulated claiming that voting would not be permitted after 6 p.m. under any circumstances.

In response to such misinformation, Kumar contacted the Special Observer to ensure the directive was implemented without ambiguity.

Nearly 90% voting recorded in Phase 2 at 5 p.m.

Ater the historic voting in the first phase, the phase 2 of West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 witnessed strong voter participation on Wednesday and recorded a massive turnout of 89.99 per cent by 5 p.m., as per the official data shared by the Election Commission.

Earlier in the day, the overall voting figure stood at 78.68 per cent at 3 p.m., eight hours into polling, before the sharp rise in turnout towards the closing hours.

The latest trend indicates that voter participation is approaching the record levels seen during the first phase on April 23, when 93.19 per cent of electors cast their votes.

Among districts, East Burdwan remained on top with a voter turnout of 92.46 per cent. Among others included Hooghly at 90.34 per cent, followed by Nadia at 90.28 per cent and North 24 Parganas at 89.74 per cent.

In Kolkata, several constituencies also reported strong participation, such as Bhabanipur at 85.51 per cent turnout, Rashbehari at 85.30 per cent, and Kolkata Port 87.48 per cent.

The counting of votes will take place on May 4.