West Bengal Phase 2 Records Nearly 50% Turnout Before Noon; Isolated Violence Reported

Kolkata: The second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly election is recording strong voter turnout, with nearly half the electorate having cast their votes before noon. Around 40 per cent of voters had exercised their franchise by 11 am, with Purba Bardhaman district reporting the highest turnout in the early hours.

Voting is underway across 142 constituencies spread over 7 districts, with approximately 3.21 crore voters participating in this phase. EVM malfunctions at certain locations caused brief delays in polling. Isolated incidents of violence have been reported from some areas.

Exit poll results for West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry are expected to be released on Wednesday, with counting scheduled for May 4.