Polling is underway in 152 assembly constituencies in West Bengal under the first phase of Assembly election covering 16 districts. An 18.76 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 9 AM IST.
Voting is taking place in 44,376 polling stations, including 2,958 auxiliary booths.
The Election Commission has made all preparations for peaceful voting. The Commission has stressed that booth jamming and booth capturing will not be tolerated, and all miscreants will be severely punished.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to participate actively in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, calling it a “festival of democracy.” He especially appealed to young voters and women in West Bengal to turn out in large numbers and exercise their franchise.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on social media X
, “The first phase of voting for the West Bengal Assembly elections is today. I call upon all citizens to participate with full enthusiasm in this festival of democracy. I especially urge my young friends and the women of West Bengal to vote in large numbers.”