Goa, April 29 -- West Bengal recorded a near‑record 89.99% voter turnout by 5 pm in the final phase of the Assembly elections, underscoring high public engagement despite a tense atmosphere.

Polling in 142 constituencies, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Bhabanipur seat, saw intense competition as the BJP seeks a stronger mandate after winning 77 seats in the 2021 polls.

Banerjee alleged that central paramilitary forces were "working per BJP's directions," claiming no state police had been allowed at any booth and that the CRPF had "captured" the polling process.

Violence and vandalism were reported in parts of the state shortly after voting began, while EVM‑glitch complaints and delayed voting in Hooghly and Ball...