Voting visible through window allegations have surfaced at Malatipur Booth

Allegations have been raised over windows being kept open at a polling station, making the inside visible from the road. The incident occurred at Booth No. 221 in the Malatipur Assembly constituency. Congress candidate Mausam Noor brought the matter to the notice of the sector officer. Poll officials, however, claimed the windows were kept open due to poor lighting.

BJP candidate from Birbhum Jagannath Chatterjee said, "People are coming out in large numbers to cast their votes."

West Bengal election: BJP candidate from Birbhum Jagannath Chatterjee said,"People are coming out in large numbers to cast their votes... In a few places, there were some initial issues like, malfunctioning EVMs and cameras but those have been replaced. After that, voting now appears to be proceeding peacefully. There are a few isolated attempts at intimidation and some sporadic plans of disturbance by certain elements, including some individuals allegedly linked to TMC, but we are continuously filing complaints. I believe the CRPF’s activity has been very effective. Their movement, including QRT deployment, has been quite strong."

Presiding officer absent, voting machine not arrived at Kumargram Assembly constituency

Voting has not yet begun at Booth No. 10/251 in the Kumargram Assembly constituency. There are a total of 1,209 voters, for whom two polling booths have been set up—one for voters numbered 1 to 600, and another for the rest. Those listed from 1 to 600 are still unable to cast their votes. Allegedly, the presiding officer has not arrived at that booth, and the EVM has also not reached.

TMC candidate Udayan Guha expresses anger at the police

Trinamool candidate from Dinhata in Cooch Behar, Udayan Guha, also raised allegations against the police. He said, “The police are summoning our workers to the police station. The IC of Dinhata police station is trying to help the BJP in a planned manner."

Elephant roaming near a booth in Jhargram district triggered panic among voters

Amid the polling process, an elephant roaming near a booth in Jhargram district triggered panic among voters. The animal was spotted outside Jitushol Aanshik Buniyadi Vidyalaya polling station.

In Murshidabad district, polling was halted at booth number 156

In Murshidabad district, polling was halted at booth number 156 in Parsalika Madanmohan Primary School in the Beldanga assembly segment after an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) developed a snag, they said.

18.76 % voter turnout clocked till 9 am in Bengal's first phase assembly polls

 18.76 per cent voter turnout clocked till 9 am in Bengal's first phase assembly polls. 

• Alipurduar: 17.70 per cent
• Bankura: 20.20 per cent
•   Birbhum: 19.01 per cent  
• Cooch Behar: 17.56 per cent
• South Dinajpur: 18.80 per cent
• Jalpaiguri: 18.50 per cent
• Jhargram: 19.84 per cent
• Kalimpong: 18.74 per cent
• Malda: 16.96 per cent
• West Burdwan: 19 per cent
• West Midnapore: 20.51 per cent
• East Midnapore: 18.81 per cent
• Purulia: 17.83 per cent
• North Dinajpur: 17.54 per cent

“Election will be peaceful," says BJP candidate Dilip Ghosh

 “Election will be peaceful and will have a good voting percentage,” says BJP candidate Dilip Ghosh after voting in Kharagpur.  

Voting delayed at Murshidabad's Raghunathganj Girl's School

Voting delayed at Murshidabad's Raghunathganj Girl's School booth due to EVM malfunction; voters express anger over long wait and lack of replacement machine.

Several people injured as unidentified people hurled crude bomb in Nowda, Murshidabad district

Several people injured as unidentified people hurled crude bomb in Nowda, Murshidabad district. 

“No major incident has happened," says TMC leader Riju Dutta

  “No major incident has happened apart from a few minor incidents which have already been tackled; till now peaceful voting is underway,” says TMC leader Riju Dutta. 

Gautam Deb cast his vote

Trinamool candidate Gautam Deb cast his vote at Booth No. 173 in Siliguri. On Thursday morning, he stood in line with ordinary voters at a booth set up in Siliguri Girls’ High School to cast his vote.

Congress candidate from Malda, Mausam Noor said, "So far, the reports suggest that everything is proceeding peacefully."

Congress candidate from Malda, Mausam Noor said, "As a family, we are all going together to cast our votes. This is strengthening my resolve and reinforcing my principles. It is also giving me more support and confidence to go out and cover the elections everywhere. So far, the reports suggest that everything is proceeding peacefully."

EVM malfunction alleged at Suri and Haldia booths

Allegations of EVM malfunction have surfaced at Booth No. 159 in Suri, where the Congress candidate was unable to cast their vote. A similar complaint has also been reported from Ward No. 28 in Haldia Municipality’s township area.

West Bengal Governor RN Ravi appealed to voters to participate in the polling process

In a message posted on the Lok Bhavan X handle, Ravi said, “First phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is underway today. I urge every voter, particularly the youth and women, to enthusiastically take part in the most sacred festival of democracy and exercise their votes without failing.” Emphasising the importance of each ballot, he added, “Every vote is sacred. It has the power to shape the future of West Bengal.” The first phase assumes political significance because it includes all 54 seats in north Bengal, the region that powered the BJP's rise in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and helped it emerge as the principal challenger to the TMC in the 2021 assembly polls.

International delegates visited another polling station in Siliguri and observed the voting process.

  International delegates under in Siliguri visited another polling station and witnessed the poll. The delegates observed the peaceful and festive conduct of the actual poll. They were impressed by the smooth and well-managed arrangements at the polling station.  

Kharge urges Bengal voters to turn out in large numbers in first phase

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday urged the people of West Bengal to vote in large numbers and ensure that the ideals of democracy, social justice, equality, and freedom remain intact.

In a post on X, Kharge said, “As West Bengal votes in the first phase of Assembly elections today, I sincerely urge all citizens to step out and participate in large numbers. Do not be deterred by forces that seek to discourage you.”

“Your vote is your voice, and it must be resoundingly heard,” he said.

Voters stand in long queues at polling booths in Birbhum

Voters stand in long queues at polling booths in Birbhum to cast their votes amid tight security.

Allegations of voters being intimidated with firearms in Raipur, Domkal

Chaos erupted in Domkal even before polling began. In Raipur, allegations of a clash between Trinamool and CPM have surfaced, with four people reported injured. Tension continued in the area into the morning.

Reports indicate a gathering has begun outside Booth No. 217 in Domkal, Murshidabad. Allegations of inaction have also been raised against the central forces. The CPM has accused the Trinamool of ‘confining’ its supporters inside their homes.

The Election Commission has sought a report on the clash between Trinamool and CPM in Domkal.

The Election Commission on Thursday sought a report from officials over allegations that several people were prevented from casting their votes in Murshidabad district's Domkal during the first phase of the West Bengal assembly polls on Thursday, officials said.

Several voters in Domkal alleged that they were threatened and intimidated, with some claiming they were warned of assault if they attempted to reach polling stations.

In Raipur village, under the Domkal Assembly constituency, several people claimed that armed people were staying in the area since early morning, creating an atmosphere of fear.

The allegations were directed at the ruling TMC, though the party did not immediately respond to the charges.

People also alleged that neither the local police nor the central forces were seen in the area early in the morning. However, the situation improved later in the day after a large police contingent, along with central forces, reached the area.

"The Election Commission has sought a report on charges of voter intimidation in Domkal," officials said.

They added that voters were subsequently escorted to polling booths under security cover, and voting resumed in an orderly manner.