West Bengal heads into the second phase of its Assembly elections today, with voting scheduled across 142 constituencies. This follows the first phase held on April 23, which covered 152 seats. The focus now shifts to the southern districts, where polling arrangements have been scaled up significantly.
Special Electoral Roll Observer Subrata Gupta said voting will take place at 41,001 polling stations spread across eight districts in South Bengal, reflecting the scale of the exercise.
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Heavy security deployment in place
Security remains a key focus for the Election Commission, with around 2,400 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed to maintain order. Per Mint, Gupta said, "Almost 2,400 companies of CAPF are being deployed to maintain peace and law and order and also to ensure the security of the voters...We are prepared for the worst. While we believe that the planning which has gone into phase two will bear fruit in the form of a peaceful second phase, we are prepared to face any law and order issue."
He told Mint that each polling booth will be guarded by four security personnel, while strong rooms will remain under CAPF protection. CCTV cameras have been installed at entry points, with access provided to candidates and their agents. Some security teams will also use body cameras, and every booth will have at least two webcams: one inside and one outside.
Voter turnout and roll updates
Encouraging participation, Gupta said, "We would invite all voters to beat the figures already achieved in phase one, which is 93 % plus. We invite all voters in phase two to come and vote peacefully and without any fear...There have been six cases of deletions and 1,468 cases of addition in the roll. Those who have been included in this 1,468, they will be able to cast their vote in this phase."
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A toll-free helpline (18003450008) is available for voters to report complaints, with assurances of prompt redressal.
The first phase recorded a turnout of 93.2 per cent, with both the All India Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party citing it as a positive sign as the elections progress.
