WB polls: Kharge urges high turnout, asks voters to cast ballots freely

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urged voters to participate in the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, appealing for a high turnout and asking citizens to cast their votes freely without fear, intimidation, or influence.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday urged voters to participate in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, appealing for a high turnout and asking citizens to cast their votes freely without fear, intimidation, or external influence.

In a post on X, Kharge said, "Today marks the second phase of polling in the West Bengal Assembly elections. I urge every voter to step out in large numbers and exercise your democratic right without fear or hesitation. Do not be influenced or intimidated by anyone. Vote for progressive values. Vote for development. Vote for harmony. Vote for amity."

He emphasised that West Bengal has always led the way in driving meaningful change. "This is the time to stand up against forces that seek to undermine your rights and give them a befitting reply," Kharge said.

The Congress President further asked the first-time voters to participate enthusiastically in the democratic process. "I especially appeal to young and first-time voters, your voice matters. Ensure that the spirit of true Democracy persists in West Bengal," Mallikarjun Kharge said.

Scale of the Final Phase

The scale of the final phase is massive, covering nearly half of the state's total assembly seats,142 (out of 294). The total electorate is around 3.21 crore (Male: 1,64,35,627 and Female: 1,57,37,418 and Third Gender: 792). 1,448 candidates are in the fray, including 220 women at 41,001 polling stations, with over 8,000 managed entirely by women.

High-Stakes Contest in Bengal

The second phase of polling is crucial in shaping the electoral trajectory in the state, with 142 constituencies in Bengal going to vote. Authorities have put in place elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful polling across regions. After a record-shattering voter turnout in the first phase, West Bengal enters its second and final phase of polling today. This round is widely seen as the "litmus test" for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), as voting moves into the party's traditional fortresses in South Bengal and Kolkata. The high-stakes electoral contest sees the ruling Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, aiming to retain power, while the Bharatiya Janata Party is making strong efforts to expand its presence in the state.

Elaborate Polling Arrangements

These include 39,301 main stations and 1700 auxiliary stations. There are 8,845 all-women-managed stations, 13 PWD-managed stations, and 258 "model" polling stations. There will be webcasting for all 41,001 polling stations.

The results of West Bengal polls will be declared on May 4, along with the outcome of polls in Assam, Keralam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. (ANI)

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