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West Bengal votes in the second phase of its Assembly elections today, with polling underway across 142 key constituencies, largely concentrated in and around Kolkata and adjoining districts.
This crucial phase follows a record-breaking voter turnout of 92.03 per cent in the first round held on April 23, the highest recorded in the state since 1951, setting a strong tone for the ongoing electoral battle.
High participation defined the opening phase, with Dakshin Dinajpur leading at 94.98 per cent turnout, followed closely by Cooch Behar at 94.75 per cent and Birbhum at 93.88 per cent, reflecting intense voter engagement across regions.
The first phase sealed the electoral fate of 1,478 candidates contesting across 152 constituencies, while today’s round covers a significant portion of the 294-member Assembly, making it a decisive leg in the election process.
Security forces have stepped up security across polling stations and are maintaining strict vigil to ensure smooth and peaceful voting.
Despite largely orderly polling in the first phase, a few isolated incidents of tension emerged. In Dakshin Dinajpur, Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Subhendu Sarkar was allegedly chased and assaulted during a visit to a polling booth, while in Murshidabad, clashes broke out during the visit of Aam Janata Unnayan Party founder Humayun Kabir. There were also reports of attempts to disrupt voting in parts of Domkal.
With stakes high and turnout expected to remain strong, all eyes are now on how voters shape the contest in this key phase. The counting of votes for all 294 constituencies will take place on May 4.
Stay tuned for LIVE UPDATES as polling progresses across key regions.
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