High-Stakes Battle Begins: West Bengal Assembly Elections Underway

The first phase of West Bengal's assembly elections is happening today, with voting conducted in 152 constituencies. The outcome is crucial for both the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as more than half of the state's 294 assembly seats are in play.

Enhanced security has been deployed with a record 2,450 companies of central paramilitary forces covering sensitive areas. Voting commenced at 7 a.m., with significant turnout anticipated, as both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Governor RN Ravi appealed to youth and women to vote in large numbers.

This phase is politically significant, affecting all 54 seats in north Bengal, which have been integral to the BJP’s recent gains. The deletion of 91 lakh names from electoral rolls, alleging infiltration and bogus voters, has contributed to campaign tensions.