Kolkata, Apr 23:
Voting began at 7 a.m. across West Bengal on Thursday in the crucial first phase of the Assembly elections, with brisk participation reported in the early hours.
According to data from the Election Commission of India, the State recorded a voter turnout of 18.76 per cent till 9 a.m.
Around 3.60 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this phase, which will determine the fate of 1,478 candidates. Polling is being held for 152 Assembly constituencies spread across 16 districts, including eight in north Bengal and eight in south Bengal.
Voters were seen queuing up at polling stations from early morning, indicating strong enthusiasm in the opening hours. Authorities have put in place extensive security arrangements to ensure a smooth and peaceful polling process.
Polling will continue through the day, with officials expecting the turnout to rise significantly in the coming hours.