West Bengal, Assam vote in second phase of assembly polls: All you need to know

Polling began at 7 am for 30 seats in the second phase of West Bengal assembly elections. Voters queue outside polling stations to cast their votes amid tight security. The second phase also includes voting in the high-profile seat of Nandigram. Voting, which will continue till 6.30 pm, is underway with adherence to Covid-19 protocols. Elections are being held in Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Bankura and South 24 Parganas. More than 75 lakh voters will decide the fate of 191 candidates in 30 constituencies. All eyes are on Nandigram where Mamata Banerjee is taking on her ex-aide Suvendu Adhikari. EC deployed around 651 companies of central forces, apart from state police for security. West Bengal is voting in eight phases for 294-seats, votes will be counted on May 2. Voting also began for 39 seats in the second phase of assembly elections in Assam. Fate of 345 candidates, including 26 women, is being decided by over 73.44 lakh voters. Among those contesting polls in this phase are five ministers and the deputy speaker of the outgoing House. Over 73.44 lakh voters will exercise their franchise in booths spread over 13 districts. A total of 310 companies of security forces have been deployed to carry out strict vigil. The three-phase Assam elections will conclude on April 6, votes will be counted on May 2.