West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: Voting Underway Amid Tight Security and Political Criticism

West Bengal Rafale, West Bengal Assembly Election 2026: Voting is underway for the second phase of elections to 142 assembly seats in West Bengal. The Election Commission has deployed 2,321 companies of central forces and several observers in eight districts to ensure smooth polling. However, the Trinamool Congress is deeply upset with this tight security arrangement. Party leader Abhishek Banerjee has said sarcastically that the administration has now left deploying Rafale aircraft in Bengal as an option. Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, said sarcastically, "Only Rafale aircraft are left to be deployed in Bengal. INS frigates are also yet to be deployed. The Election Commission has deployed such a large force for the elections. The deployment that should have been done against Pakistan and Bangladesh is being done for the people of Bengal." Targeting the Chief Election Commissioner, Abhishek said, "This is how elections are conducted? Gyanesh Kumar, field the candidate you want.