Kolkata:Polling in the first phase of Assembly elections inWest Bengalsaw strong voter participation on Thursday, with turnout crossing 78.77% by 3 PM, raising the possibility of a very high final turnout. The state has consistently recorded high voter turnout over the past 15 years, typically in the 80–85% range; however, the latest data suggests it could even breach its all-time high.
Voting began at 7 AM across 152 constituencies in 16 districts, and will continue till 5 PM. Turnout rose steadily through the day - from 18.76% in the first two hours to 41.11% by 11 AM, 62.18% by 1 PM, and nearly 79% by mid-afternoon. With polling still underway, officials expect the final turnout to go even higher.
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The phase is key for both the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with high stakes across north Bengal, Junglemahal and parts of south Bengal.
Despite heavy security, sporadic incidents of violence and alleged intimidation were reported from several districts.
In Dakshin Dinajpur, BJP candidate Suvendu Sarkar was allegedly manhandled. He claimed he was attacked in the presence of police, an allegation denied by the TMC.
In Asansol, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul said her vehicle was targeted.
"Stones were thrown at my moving car as I was exiting a polling booth premises. The rear window was shattered. It is very clear who is behind this. This is an attempt to influence the election," she alleged.
Clashes were also reported in Murshidabad, Birbhum and Malda, with allegations of attacks on polling agents and voter intimidation. In some areas, central forces had to step in to control the situation and ensure voters could reach booths.
The Election Commission of India has sought reports on the incidents and deployed additional forces in sensitive areas.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
