West Bengal Assembly polls: BJP, TMC in high-stakes battle

West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 78.8% till 3pm on Thursday and 89.93% turnout by 5pm in the first phase of the assembly elections, officials said. The turnout stood at 62.18% by 1pm, indicating a steady rise in participation through the day.

Polling is underway in 152 constituencies spread across north Bengal and several districts in the southern part of the state. Around 3.6 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this phase, covering 16 districts out of the state’s total 294 constituencies.

The contest is seen as a high-stakes battle between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP, amid a charged political atmosphere over voter list revisions. A close fight is expected in at least 80 seats.

The second phase of polling is scheduled for April 29, while counting of votes will take place on May 4.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said at a rally in Hooghly district that “not a single intruder” would be allowed into the state if the BJP comes to power. He also said illegal immigrants already in the state would be “selectively rooted out,” expressing confidence that the party would secure a full majority.