Polling peacefully underway, turnout may surpass first phase: Bengal CEO Agarwal

The second phase of voting in West Bengal was progressing peacefully amid elaborate security arrangements, the state's Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said on Wednesday, exuding confidence that the turnout might surpass the first phase figures. More than 60 per cent of the 3.21 crore electors voted till 1 pm in the second phase of polling in West Bengal amid sporadic violence and attacks on candidates. Agarwal said extensive security deployment and close monitoring were ensuring a smooth voting process across the state. ''In the first phase, West Bengal showed the country that a 93 per cent voter turnout is possible, and that elections can be free and fair. In this phase as well, we aim to match or even exceed that benchmark,'' Agarwal said. ''There is proper deployment of CAPF, and all arrangements are in place. Voting is taking place completely peacefully, and no complaints are being reported from anywhere,'' he told reporters. The CEO urged all voters to participate in the electoral process. ''We are also urging residents of high-rise buildings to go out and cast their votes. Everyone should vote. The Election Commission of India wants every person whose name is on the voter list to exercise their right to vote,'' he added.

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