A senior Election Commission official told PTI that 3.21 crore voters are exercising their franchise in this phase, with polling beginning at 7 am across Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman—districts considered the political and electoral core of the state.
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District-wise, Purba Bardhaman recorded the highest turnout at 20.86 per cent, followed by Hooghly at 20.16 per cent, Nadia at 18.5 per cent, North 24 Parganas at 17.81 per cent, Kolkata Uttar at 17.28 per cent, South 24 Parganas at 17.25 per cent, and Kolkata Dakshin at 16.81 per cent. The official said polling remained largely peaceful barring minor incidents in some areas, with reports sought from local officials.
Also Read: West Bengal: Violence, vandalism reported during early hours of voting
A total of 3,21,73,837 electors including 1,64,35,627 men, 1,57,37,418 women and 792 third-gender voters—are eligible to vote across 41,001 polling stations, all of which are under webcasting coverage.
Among the key contests is Bhabanipur, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari are in the fray, with the seat remaining a Trinamool stronghold since 2011.Also Read: West Bengal Assembly elections: EVM glitches reported during Phase 2 polling
The first phase, held on April 23 across 152 seats in 16 districts, saw a record turnout of 93.2 per cent, while authorities and political parties have urged voters to participate in large numbers in the final phase.
