High Stakes and High Tension: West Bengal Begins First Phase of Assembly Elections
West Bengal's Assembly elections began with over 62% voter turnout amid reports of violence and voter intimidation. Voting took place in 152 constituencies with 1,478 candidates. Incidents of violence, including assaults on candidates and clashes between rival party supporters, marked the election's first phase, prompting Election Commission actions.
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West Bengal saw an eventful start to its Assembly elections with over 62 percent voter participation reported by 1 pm on Thursday. The polling process commenced at 7 am across 16 districts and is set to determine the political destiny of 1,478 candidates competing in 152 constituencies, including 167 women candidates.
Despite the overwhelming turnout in the scorching heat, the day was overshadowed by sporadic violence and allegations of voter intimidation. Notable incidents included the assault of BJP's Suvendu Sarkar in Dakshin Dinajpur and clashes between Aam Janata Unnayan Party and TMC supporters in Murshidabad.
The Election Commission received numerous complaints regarding disturbances, compelling it to request reports on the violence. Such events underscore the tense political landscape in Bengal, where rival parties BJP and TMC remain locked in a bitter struggle for supremacy.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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