West Bengal Phase 2 Voting / Brisk Voting in Bengal: 61.11% Turnout in First Six Hours
·2 hours ago·3 min read
Key Points
Phase-2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections witnessed brisk polling with 61.11% turnout recorded in the first six hours across 142 constituencies. East Burdwan led with the highest turnout at 66.80%, while Falta drew attention over allegations of voter intimidation and EVM tampering. Security forces, including CRPF contingents, acted swiftly to maintain order, ensuring voting continued largely peacefully under strict Election Commission monitoring.
Kolkata, Apr 29: Polling in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections for 142 constituencies recorded a brisk turnout of 61.11% by 1 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). This figure is slightly lower than the 62.18% turnout registered during the first six hours of Phase-1 voting on April 23 across 152 constituencies.
District-wise data revealed East Burdwan leading with 66.80% turnout, followed by Hooghly at 64.57%, Nadia at 61.41%, Howrah at 60.68%, Kolkata (Uttar) at 60.18%, North 24 Parganas at 59.20%, South 24 Parganas at 58.58%, and Kolkata (Dakshin) at 57.73%. The turnout is significantly higher compared to the average 45.10% recorded during the same period in the seven-phase 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Despite the strong voter participation, reports of poll-related violence and disruptions surfaced from certain pockets. However, no casualties or major injuries were reported, with authorities attributing the relatively peaceful conduct to strict monitoring by central forces and enhanced deployment of observers. This phase saw 142 general observers and 95 police observers, an increase from 84 in the first phase.
Also Read: BJP Alleges Booth Tampering, Violence Reported in West Bengal’s Phase-2 Polls
In South 24 Parganas district, allegations emerged against Trinamool Congress activists for threatening villagers in Dakshin Basulnath under the Falta Assembly constituency. Villagers claimed they were pressured to vote for the ruling party or abstain from voting altogether. A large contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), led by an Inspector General-rank officer, intervened promptly and escorted voters safely to polling booths.
Falta also made headlines after an incident where the EVM button beside the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate’s name was allegedly covered with white tape. The ECI has ordered a probe into the matter, underscoring its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections.
While isolated incidents of tension were reported, the overall polling process remained largely smooth, reflecting the determination of voters to exercise their democratic rights. With heightened security and vigilant monitoring, Phase-2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections showcased both strong civic participation and the challenges of maintaining electoral integrity in sensitive constituencies.
District-wise data revealed East Burdwan leading with 66.80% turnout, followed by Hooghly at 64.57%, Nadia at 61.41%, Howrah at 60.68%, Kolkata (Uttar) at 60.18%, North 24 Parganas at 59.20%, South 24 Parganas at 58.58%, and Kolkata (Dakshin) at 57.73%. The turnout is significantly higher compared to the average 45.10% recorded during the same period in the seven-phase 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Despite the strong voter participation, reports of poll-related violence and disruptions surfaced from certain pockets. However, no casualties or major injuries were reported, with authorities attributing the relatively peaceful conduct to strict monitoring by central forces and enhanced deployment of observers. This phase saw 142 general observers and 95 police observers, an increase from 84 in the first phase.
Also Read: BJP Alleges Booth Tampering, Violence Reported in West Bengal’s Phase-2 Polls
In South 24 Parganas district, allegations emerged against Trinamool Congress activists for threatening villagers in Dakshin Basulnath under the Falta Assembly constituency. Villagers claimed they were pressured to vote for the ruling party or abstain from voting altogether. A large contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), led by an Inspector General-rank officer, intervened promptly and escorted voters safely to polling booths.
Falta also made headlines after an incident where the EVM button beside the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate’s name was allegedly covered with white tape. The ECI has ordered a probe into the matter, underscoring its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections.
While isolated incidents of tension were reported, the overall polling process remained largely smooth, reflecting the determination of voters to exercise their democratic rights. With heightened security and vigilant monitoring, Phase-2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections showcased both strong civic participation and the challenges of maintaining electoral integrity in sensitive constituencies.
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