Voting for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is underway across 142 constituencies spanning seven districts, with a voter turnout of 39.97% recorded so far. Authorities have put in place extensive security and administrative arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful polling.
The Election Commission of India has deployed over 350,000 security personnel across the state. In the capital Kolkata, nearly 35,000 security forces are stationed, while around 2,550 companies of central armed police forces have been assigned statewide duties. To enhance oversight, 142 general observers and 95 police observers have also been appointed.
In a significant move, the National Investigation Agency has been deployed for the first time during the state elections to respond swiftly to any serious incidents or security threats.
This phase is considered politically decisive, featuring several high-profile contests. A key battle is unfolding between Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Suvendu Adhikari of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a contest expected to significantly shape the state’s political trajectory. Additionally, eight ministers from the incumbent government are contesting in this phase, further raising the stakes.
A total of 1,448 candidates are in the fray, with over 32 million eligible voters expected to cast their ballots. The second phase follows the first round of polling held on April 23 across 152 constituencies, marking another critical step in the multi-phase electoral process.
Suvendu Adhikari has expressed confidence in his party’s chances, claiming that the BJP will secure a full majority in the state and vowing to defeat Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has introduced a dedicated helpline for citizens to report electoral violations, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections.
Leave Your Comment