Voting began across 152 constituencies in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections on Thursday, April 23, amid unprecedented security arrangements and a high-stakes battle that could shape the direction of the entire contest.
Polling for the much-anticipated election started at 7 am with voters queueing up outside booths in districts ranging from Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri in the north to Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum and Hooghly in the south.
As per PTI, the opening round covers more than half of the state`s 294 assembly seats. The first phase of the election is being seen as the BJP`s best opportunity to make an early breakthrough and the ruling Trinamool Congress`s most important test in its bid for a fourth consecutive term.
PM Modi urges voters to come out in large numbers
While the contest looks neck-and-neck between the BJP and the TMC, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the early hours, has appealed to voters, particularly young electors and women, to exercise their franchise in large numbers.
While posting on his social media account X, PM Modi wrote, “Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly elections takes place today. I urge all citizens to participate in this festival of democracy with full strength. I especially appeal to my young friends and to the women of West Bengal to vote in large numbers.”
Heavy security deployment
According to the Election Commission, over 3.60 crore electors are eligible to vote in this phase across West Bengal, including around 1.75 crore women and 465 third-gender voters.
A record 2,450 companies of central paramilitary forces, comprising nearly 2.5 lakh personnel, have been deployed across the state for the polls, with over 8,000 polling stations identified as highly sensitive.
Several districts are placed under special surveillance
To make sure that the election process across the state concludes smoothly, the Election Commission has placed districts such as Malda, Murshidabad, Uttar Dinajpur, Cooch Behar, Birbhum and Purba Bardhaman under special surveillance.
As reported by PTI, more than 2,193 quick response teams, surveillance units and flying squads have also been deployed to prevent violence and ensure free and fair polling.
(With inputs from PTI)