Modi Urges Record Voter Turnout as WB Phase 2 Polling Begins

In a post on X, Modi appealed to citizens to strengthen democracy through active participation, paying special attention to women and young voters. He encouraged them to participate in record numbers and exercise their rights to make democracy more vibrant and participatory.

The scale of the second phase is significant, covering almost half of the state’s 294 assembly seats. Around 3.21 crore voters are eligible to vote, including 1.64 crore men, 1.57 crore women and 792 third gender voters. A total of 1,448 candidates, including 220 women, are running in 41,001 ballot boxes, and more than 8,000 of them are run entirely by women.

This stage is considered to be very important in shaping the election result in the state. Authorities have made elaborate arrangements to ensure the voting goes smoothly and peacefully, especially after the record turnout seen in the first phase.

Voting began after extensive mock drills early in the morning to verify the proper functioning of EVMs and VVPAT machines. Election officials and polling officials gathered at various places, including Baranagar, Shibpur and Ballygunge, to carry out mandatory checks.

Security has been tightened across the state with heavy deployment of Central Armed Police Forces at sensitive points like Kolkata Port and some areas of South 24 Parganas. Polling places were under strict control to avoid any disruption.

Meanwhile, AISF President Naushad Siddiqui expressed concern over allegations of voter intimidation in South 24 Parganas, citing a viral video. Complaints were lodged with the Election Commission and opposition parties demanded action to ensure a fair voting process.

In the high-stakes contest, the ruling Trinamool Congress led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee aims to retain power, while the Bharatiya Janata Party is trying to expand its presence in the state.

Of the total polling stations, 39,301 are main polling stations and 1,700 are auxiliary polling stations. There are also 8,845 polling stations staffed entirely by women, 13 of which are manned by people with disabilities, and 258 model voting stations. To ensure transparency, webcasting is available at all 41,001 stands.