The first phase of West Bengal assembly polls is underway since 7 AM on Thursday, engaging 152 constituencies in 16 districts from the northern hills to southern plains. Polling stations across the state witnessed enthusiastic crowds lining up well before opening, reflecting the stakes in this high-voltage contest.
Malda’s booths hummed with activity, where officer Sumita Roy oversaw seamless transitions from mock to real voting. Speaking to media, a female dentist voter articulated widespread aspirations: ‘We all seek a competent government in Bengal. As a woman, safety tops my list. Employment remains elusive—no hires in dentistry here for 10 years.’
Asansol voters praised glitch-free processes, with one calling for a leader to properly govern the country. A woman voter from the area expressed optimism, voting with development in mind for her region.
In Darjeeling and Alipurduar, queues snaked outside centers; Swapna Barman made headlines by voting and advocating calm. Similar scenes unfolded in Anandnagar and secured Baharampur booths. Midnapore confirmed punctual starts.
Nandigram’s TMC hopeful Pavitra Kar pointed to traditions amid minor hiccups. AJYUP’s Humayun Kabir in Murshidabad family-voted, affirming every citizen’s electoral duty under fair EC oversight.
This phase captures Bengal’s pulse: demands for security, jobs, and progress dominate as ballots decide the next government’s fate.
