As the West Bengal elections’ second phase unfolds, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge encouraged voters to actively participate and exercise their democratic rights. Kharge emphasized the importance of standing against those who aim to undermine these rights and urged voters to vote for progress, development, harmony, and amity.
Kharge, speaking on a social media platform, highlighted the significance of this election phase in West Bengal and called for voters to cast their ballots without fear or influence. He stressed the need for voters, especially the youth and first-time voters, to ensure the preservation of true democracy in the state.
With the ongoing voting process in West Bengal’s second phase, the voter turnout stood at 18.39% by 9 a.m. Polling commenced at 7 a.m. across 142 constituencies in six districts, including Kolkata, with reports of minor tensions in some areas at the start.
In the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, are in a contest, the Chief Minister’s brother, Kartik Banerjee, was cautioned by central forces for gathering near a police station with more people than allowed.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) expressed optimism about voter engagement in this phase, noting strong turnout, particularly among women and young voters. The ECI shared posts showcasing the enthusiasm of women voters at polling stations in North 24 Parganas, emphasizing the increasing participation of women in the electoral process.
