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Voters Queue Up in Asansol as West Bengal Phase 1 Polling Begins

Voters formed long queues in Asansol as polling for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections began on Thursday. Returning Officer Aghore Kumar Roy confirmed all arrangements, including extensive CAPF security and webcasting at all 3,313 polling stations in Asansol, are in place for a smooth process. The state is witnessing a major contest between the incumbent Trinamool Congress and the BJP for 294 Assembly seats. The counting of votes for the elections, which are being held in multiple phases, is scheduled for May 4.

Key Points: West Bengal Phase 1 Polling Begins in Asansol

  • Phase 1 polling begins in West Bengal
  • Long queues seen in Asansol
  • High security with CAPF at all stations
  • TMC vs BJP high-voltage contest
  • Counting of votes scheduled for May 4
2 min read

WB Elections: Voters queue up in Asansol as Phase 1 polling begins

Voters queue up as polling begins in West Bengal's Asansol. High-voltage contest between TMC and BJP for 294 seats. Counting on May 4.

"Everything is proceeding peacefully and systematically... Each booth will have webcasting cameras inside and outside, with CAPF security deployed at every station. - Aghore Kumar Roy"

Asansol, April 23

Long queues of voters were seen outside polling stations in Asansol as voting got underway in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on Thursday.

Polling began at 7:00 am across multiple stations, with people turning up in large numbers to cast their votes.

Returning Officer for Asansol Uttar, Aghore Kumar Roy, on Wednesday said all arrangements had been put in place to ensure smooth and peaceful polling in the constituency.

Speaking to ANI about the preparations, Roy said that polling parties are being dispatched to their designated polling stations with all necessary materials.

He informed that extensive security measures have been implemented, with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed at every polling station to ensure free and fair elections.

"This is the 281 Asansol Uttar Assembly constituency. Everything is proceeding peacefully and systematically. Polling parties are collecting materials and moving to their designated polling stations. Each booth will have webcasting cameras inside and outside, with CAPF security deployed at every station. In Asansol, there are 3,313 polling stations, all equipped with uninterrupted webcasting and full security arrangements", he said.

Meanwhile, polling is also underway at a polling station in Birbhum, with officials confirming that arrangements are in place for a smooth process.

The state is set to witness a high-voltage contest between the incumbent Trinamool Congress, which is seeking a fourth consecutive term, and the BJP, which is aiming to form the government after a strong showing in the previous elections.

In West Bengal, the parties are contesting against one another for 294 Assembly seats. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), the first phase covers 152 Assembly constituencies, while the second phase includes 142 seats. There are a total of 1,478 candidates in the fray in this phase.

The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Asansol has seen some tense moments in past elections. Hoping the heavy security presence ensures a completely peaceful process this time. People should be able to vote without any fear or intimidation.
A
Aman W
The real test for the Election Commission is not just webcasting, but ensuring those feeds are monitored in real-time and action is taken if any violation is seen. Hope they are proactive and not just reactive.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to follow from abroad. The scale is immense - 3,313 polling stations in just one constituency? The logistics of Indian elections are truly mind-boggling. Respect to the polling officials and security forces.
V
Vikram M
This is a crucial election for Bengal's development trajectory. Voters are clearly enthusiastic. May the best party with a clear vision for jobs and infrastructure win. The high-voltage contest should focus on issues, not just rhetoric.
K
Kavya N
Standing in a queue under the April sun is not easy. Salute to all the voters, especially the elderly, who are fulfilling their democratic duty. Hope all polling stations have proper shade, water, and facilities as promised.

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