Voting for Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections will take place on April 29 across 142 seats in seven districts, with polling scheduled from 7 am to 6 pm. Millions are set to vote as authorities push early turnout to avoid long queues and delays.
The Election Commission has made arrangements at polling stations and asked voters to verify their names, locate booths and carry valid identity proof before reaching the venue. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
This phase is significant as it covers a large share of seats and follows strong participation in Phase 1, where turnout reached 92.72% across 152 constituencies. The state has 6.8 crore voters, including more than 3.49 crore men and 3.33 crore women.
At The Booth
Polling stations will offer separate queues and priority entry for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Braille-enabled EVMs and voter assistance booths have also been arranged.
Drinking water, first aid and washroom facilities will be available at all polling centres. Voter information slips are also being distributed for constituencies voting in this phase.
What To Carry
The Voter ID card remains the main identity document, but voters without the physical card can carry Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving licence, pension papers with photograph, bank or post office passbook with photograph, or government service identity cards and NPR smart cards.
Voters can check their names in the electoral roll through the official voter portal or the ECINET app. Booth details can also be found there or through the toll-free helpline 1950. Candidate details are available on the ECINET app.
Before You Vote
Voters have been advised to carry an umbrella while waiting in queues due to the heat. Mobile phones, flammable items and sharp objects should not be taken inside polling booths.
People should also avoid wearing items carrying political symbols. Photos or videos cannot be taken while casting a vote.
The voting process starts with identity verification by polling officials. After indelible ink is applied and a signature is taken, voters can press the blue button next to their chosen candidate on the EVM. A beep and red light will confirm the vote.
The VVPAT screen will then display the serial number, name and symbol of the selected candidate for seven seconds before the slip drops into the sealed box.
If Problems Arise
Voters facing intimidation or EVM issues can contact the constituency's General Observer or Police Observer. Contact details are available for each constituency.
Citizens can also report Model Code of Conduct violations through the cVIGIL app by uploading photos or short videos, which are geotagged for action by authorities.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.