Kolkata
West Bengal recorded brisk polling in the first phase of Assembly elections on Thursday, with 41.11 per cent voter turnout by 11 am. Voting began at 7 am across 152 constituencies in 16 districts under tight security arrangements.
A total of 3.60 crore voters are eligible to cast ballots in this phase, which will determine the fate of 1,478 candidates, including 167 women.
Highest Turnout Districts
Lower Turnout Areas
Complaints and Disruptions
The Election Commission of India said it received around 260 poll-related complaints by 11 am, while 375 complaints were submitted through the cVIGIL app.
Minor disruptions due to malfunctioning EVMs were reported in areas including Murshidabad, Malda, Nandigram and Siliguri.
An unusual incident occurred in Jhargram when an elephant wandered near a polling booth, briefly causing panic before authorities restored calm.
Political Reactions
Suvendu Adhikari, after voting in Nandigram, claimed the Bharatiya Janata Party would win at least 125 of the 152 seats in this phase.
All India Trinamool Congress leaders alleged bias by certain officials and approached the Chief Electoral Officer. Senior leader Anubrata Mondal urged voters to remain calm and participate peacefully.
READ MORE: West Bengal Polls: In first phase, 152 seats outcome crucial for Mamata, BJP
Next Phase
Polling will continue till 6 pm. The second and final phase covering the remaining 142 seats will be held on April 29, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
