Over 63 percent polling in first phase of Bengal polls

Despite the sweltering heat, brisk polling was recorded with over 63 percent of the electorate exercising their franchise in the first six hours of voting in 18 constituencies in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections on Monday.

There will be seven days of polling for 294 assembly seats. The last day of polling is scheduled on May 5.
Polling booths opened amid tight security at 7 a.m. in the 18 constituencies -- nine in Purulia district, three in Bankura district and six in West Midnapore district.
For the first phase of elections, there are 40,09,171 registered voters and 133 candidates.
Braving the scorching sun, a large number of people queued up outside the polling booths.
"An average of 63.15 percent turnout was recorded till 1 pm. There are no reports of violence. Polling so far has been very peaceful," said an election commission official.
The commission received over 100 complaints, mostly about malfunctioning of electronic voting machines (EVMs), while a presiding officer in a booth in Purulia was changed following an allegation of trying to influence voters.
The Congress and the Left Front accused Trinamool Congress activists of attempting to influence and intimidate voters in several booths across the three districts, a charge denied by the ruling party.
A multi-layered security ring has been put in place around the constituencies.
Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) have been made available in 562 polling stations.
Under VVPAT, a printer-like apparatus is linked to the EVM. When a vote is cast, a receipt is generated showing the serial number, name and symbol of the candidate. It confirms the vote and the voter can verify the details.