The second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections witnessed a 61.11% voter turnout in the initial six hours of polling till 1 p.m. This figure is slightly lower compared to the 62.18% recorded during the first phase’s initial six hours in 152 Assembly constituencies on April 23.
In terms of district-wise voting patterns by 1 p.m., East Burdwan district registered the highest polling percentage at 66.80%, followed by Hooghly district 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%.
Despite sporadic incidents of poll-related violence and disruptions in some areas, there have been no reports of casualties, major injuries, or widespread voter intimidation. This is largely credited to the vigilant monitoring by central forces, overseen by 142 general observers and 95 police observers, an increase from the first phase of polls.
Allegations have surfaced in the last two hours against the Trinamool Congress for allegedly intimidating villagers in Dakshin Basulnath village under Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district. Villagers claim they were coerced by ruling party activists to either vote for the party or abstain from voting altogether.
A substantial deployment of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), led by an Inspector General-rank officer, intervened and escorted voters to the polling station in response to the reported threats. Falta drew attention earlier when it was discovered that the EVM button next to the BJP candidate’s name in a booth was covered with white tape, prompting an investigation by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
