Bengal, Assam Assembly Elections 2021: A differently-abled voter casts vote in Assam
Stray incidents of violence were reported from some areas that are voting in the first phase of the assembly elections in West Bengal on Saturday, even as the overall poll situation was peaceful.
Bengal reported 82 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of the 2021 Assembly election while Assam, which also began voting today, reported 76.9% per cent turnout.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's younger brother was reportedly attacked allegedly by Trinamool Congress supporters in Contai town in East Midnapur district, his party alleged. His car was vandalised and his was driver injured in the attack. The Trinamool is facing a stern test from the BJP in its bid for a third straight term.
The situation in Assam, meanwhile, is largely peaceful. The BJP is hoping to win a second straight term in the state, with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal the biggest name on the ballot today. "We will get more than 100 seats," Mr Sonowal said. Mr Gogoi, meanwhile, visited a polling booth in Jorhat to cast vote. "It's a very emotional moment for me as it's the first time after many years that I'm coming to a polling station without my parents. Confident that people are going to vote out politics of lies and deceit and voting for politics that guarantees that their future is bright," Mr Gogoi was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
The politically volatile states of West Bengal and Assam are voting in the first phase of assembly elections today amid a resurgent Covid crisis to decide the fate of a number of top politicians including Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Polling is being held in 30 of the 294 constituencies of West Bengal and 47 of the 126 in Assam.
West Bengal will vote in eight-phases while the exercise will be completed in Assam in three phases on March 27, April 1 and 6. Altogether 264 candidates, including 23 women, are in the fray.
The state polls to the two states apart from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry are the first, after the assembly elections in Bihar, to be held during the pandemic.
Here are the Highlights On Assembly Elections 2021:
Nearly 82% Turnout In Bengal, 76% In Assam In Phase 1 Polls
Bengal reported 82 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of the 2021 Assembly election while Assam, which also began voting today, reported 76.9% per cent turnout.
80% Turnout In Bengal, 72% In Assam Till 6 PM
Bengal reported 79.79 per cent voter turnout till 6 pm in the first phase of the 2021 Assembly election. Assam, which also began voting today, reported 72.14 per cent turnout till the same time.
Time has come to bid goodbye to communists, UDF, LDF, Congress in Kerala: BJP leaderBJP National President JP Nadda has said that that time has come for people in Kerala to say "goodbye" to communists, UDF, LDF and Congress, who have been "coming to power like musical chairs" in the state.
Addressing a public rally in Thodupuzha today, Mr Nadda said: "Our vote share has increased from 5 per cent to 16 per cent to 18 per cent-19 per cent, but the seat share hasn''t. Time has come to say goodbye to communists, UDF, LDF, and Congress. They have been coming to power like musical chairs. Both (LDF &UDF) are ideologically bankrupt."
Talking about the initiative taken by the Narendra Modi government, the BJP president said: "A blue revolution has been initiated (by the Centre) to improve the livelihoods of our fishermen from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu."
Activists Of BJP, Trinamool Congress Clash In Bengal's Nandigram, 3 Injured
Activists of the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) clashed in Bengal's Nandigram constituency -- which is set to go to polls on April 1 -- seriously injuring at least three, a senior police officer said, reported news agency PTI.
Seikh Sufiyan, the election agent of TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, however, claimed that goons hired by the BJP carried out an attack on the workers of the state's ruling party, a charge denied by the BJP camp.
"All three, who sustained injuries during the attack, are activists of the TMC. They were rushed to SSKM hospital in Kolkata. The condition of one of them has been stated to be serious," Mr Sufiyan said.
79.8% Turnout Till 5PM In Bengal, 72.1% In Assam
Bengal registers 79.8% turnout across 30 assembly constituencies till 5PM while Assam 72.1% across 47 constituencies.
"Your Visa Should Be Cancelled": Mamata Banerjee On PM's Bangladesh Trip
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visit to Bangladesh, accusing him of trying to influence voters in West Bengal where polling began for the eight-phase assembly election in the morning.
"Elections are underway here and he (PM) goes to Bangladesh and lectures on Bengal. It is a total violation of code of conduct of the election," Ms Banerjee said at a campaign event in Kharagpur, according to news agency ANI.
"In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, when a Bangladeshi actor attended our rally, BJP spoke to Bangladesh government and cancelled his visa. When polls are underway here, you (PM) go to Bangladesh to seek votes from one section of people. Why shouldn't your visa be cancelled? We will complain to the Election Commission," she said.
Confront BJP-Hired Goons With Ladle, Spatula: Mamata Banerjee Tells Women In Bengal
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today alleged that the BJP is bringing in goons from outside to stop people from exercising their franchise in Bengal and urged women to "confront the hoodlums with ladle, spatula" and other cooking utensils, reported news agency PTI.
Addressing two public rallies at Narayangarh and Pingla in West Midnapore district, the Trinamool Congress chief dubbed Suvendu Adhikari and his family as "traitors", and claimed that one member of the household was seen distributing money among people on Friday night, hours before 30 assembly constituencies of the state went to polls.
70.2% Voter Turnout In Bengal Till 3 PM
Bengal records 70.2 per cent turnout till 3 pm across 30 assembly constituencies in the first phase of the state assembly polls.
Assam Election Live News: Congress has fielded most number of rich candidates in phase 1
54.9% Voter Turnout In Bengal Till 1 PMBengal records 54.9 per cent turnout till 1 pm across 30 assembly constituencies in the first phase of the state assembly polls.
Assam Election Live News: State Congress chief casts vote
Assam Congress President Ripun Bora casts his vote at a polling booth in Gohpur. (ANI)
Assam Voting: 45.20 per cent turnout till 1PM
An estimated 45.20 per cent of the eligible voters in Assam have exercised their franchise till 1 PM. Polling is being held in 47 of the 126 in the state.
Trinamool Delegation Meets Chief Electoral Officer In Kolkata
A delegation of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders met Chief Electoral Officer in Kolkata, reported news agency ANI.
"BJP had submitted a memorandum requesting to change the system of appointing booth agents wherein he must be a voter of the concerned booth and allow anybody at any booth," said TMC's Sudip Bandyopadhyay.
"The new system is not acceptable to us. We demand that from the next phase the polling agent must be local of the concerned polling booth. The Chief Electoral Officer has assured to look into the matter," Mr Bandyopadhyay said.
46.8% Voter Turnout In Bengal Till 12:30 PM
Bengal records 46.8 per cent turnout till 12:30 pm across 30 assembly constituencies in the first phase of the state assembly polls.
Suvendu Adhikari's Brother's Car Allegedly Attacked In Bengal's Contai
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's brother Soumendu Adhikari was reportedly attacked in Bengal's Contai. Soumendu Adhikari has blamed Trinamool Congress for the vandalism of his car.
"I got to know that the vehicle (of Soumendu Adhikari) was attacked in Contai with help of Trinamool Congress (TMC) block president Ram Govind Das. Soumendu Adhikari wasn't injured. The driver was beaten up. I've informed the Police Observer," said Dibyendu Adhikari, TMC leader and brother of Soumendu Adhikari, reported news agency ANI.
36.1% Voter Turnout In Bengal Till 12 PM
Bengal recorded 36.1 per cent turnout till 12 pm across 30 assembly constituencies in the first phase of the state assembly polls.
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021: Key candidates to watch out for in first phase polling 
35.5% Voter Turnout In Bengal Till 11 AMBengal recorded 35.5 per cent turnout till 11 am across 30 assembly constituencies in the first phase of the state assembly polls.
Bengal Polls: Suvendu Adhikari Seeks Suspension Of Cops Helping Trinamool Carry Out Malpractices
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari today wrote to the Election Commission (EC) seeking suspension of some police officials in Bengal's Haldia and Nandigram for allegedly helping the Trinamool Congress (TMC) carry out malpractices and irregularities during the first phase of West Bengal assembly elections, reported news agency ANI.
Suvendu Adhikari has requested the suspension of Haldia Additional Superintendent of Police (SP), Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Barunbaidya and some other officers of Nandigram police station.
Meanwhile, polling for the first of the eight-phased assembly polls in Bengal is underway in 30 constituencies. The polling will conclude at 6:30 pm.
Suvendu Adhikari's brother Soumendu Adhikari had earlier today alleged that people were being stopped from voting at a polling centre in Contai.
Actor, TMC Leader Soham Chakraborty Alleges Rigging In Bengal's Kanthi (North)
"People of Kanthi Uttar are enraged at the mess that EVM malfunctioning has caused! Surprisingly, votes seem to be going to BJP whenever a vote is cast for Trinamool Congress! How can Election Commission stay silent? Democracy faces a great threat in Phase 1 itself of WB polls," tweeted actor and National Vice President of All India Trinamool Youth Congress Soham Chakraborty.
Bengal Assembly Polls: BJP Candidate Chandana Bauri, Wife Of Daily Wager, Votes In Bankura
BJP candidate from Bengal's Saltora constituency, Chandana Bauri, who is the wife of a daily wager, cast her vote today morning during the first phase of the state assembly elections, reported news agency ANI.
"Saltora BJP candidate Chandana Bauri went to the booth and cast her vote. Exercise your democratic rights. Voting is your right, go and vote with your family," tweeted BJP Bengal.
Ms Bauri's name was mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a previous rally in the Bankura district.
"Modi ji loves people from all religions, and on the other hand, Mamata Didi divides people on the basis of religion. She does not let Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja happen. But Modi ji, for us Muslim women, abolished the Triple Talaq law," Ms Bauri had said.
Trinamool Under Pressure: Bengal BJP Chief On TMC Allegations Of Poll Rigging
"Trinamool Congress (TMC) knows that it is losing & that's why it is saying all this. For such complaints, TMC should go to the Election Commission. TMC and Mamata Banerjee are under pressure and that is why they are saying such things," said BJP Bengal chief Dilip Ghosh on TMC allegations of poll rigging, reported news agency ANI.
West Bengal Election 2021: 41 candidates have declared criminal cases against them
Vote For Progress, Golden Future Of Assam: Priyanka Gandhi Urges Voters
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday urged the people of Assam to vote in large numbers for the progress of the state, reported news agency ANI.
"Today, the first phase of polling is being held in Assam. I appeal to the people of Assam, especially the youth and my sisters, to go to the polling booth today and vote in large numbers. Vote for the progress and progress of Assam and the golden future of Assam," the Congress leader wrote on Facebook.
Assam, Bengal Assembly Polls: Rahul Gandhi Urges Citizen To Vote Against "Divisive Forces"
As the polling is underway for the first phase of Assembly elections in Assam and West Bengal, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday urged citizens to cast their vote against the "divisive forces", reported news agency ANI.
"To strengthen democracy, cast your vote against the divisive forces. Jai Hind!" tweeted Rahul Gandhi in Hindi.
Assam Assembly Polls: Assam Jatiya Parishad Chief Lurinjyoti Gogoi Casts Vote In Tinsukia
President of newly-floated regional political party Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) Lurinjyoti Gogoi on Sunday cast his vote at a polling centre in Tinsukia district during the first phase of Assam polls, reported news agency ANI.
Mr Gogoi is contesting from two seats - Duliajan and Naharkatia. Voting at the two Assembly constituencies is underway in the first phase of polls today.
The AJP and jailed activist Akhil Gogoi's party Raijor Dal are contesting the polls in an alliance.
Assam Election Live News: "Visiting polling booth for first time in years without parents," says Gaurav Gogoi
Gaurav Gogoi visited a polling booth in Jorhat to cast vote. "It's a very emotional moment for me as it's the first time after many years that I'm coming to a polling station without my parents. Confident that people are going to vote out politics of lies and deceit and voting for politics that guarantees that their future is bright," Mr Gogoi was quoted as saying by bews agency ANI.
Assam elections: Chief Miister Sarbananda Sonowal casts vote in Dibrugarh
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, among the key candidates in phase 1, voted at a polling centre in Dibrugarh. "We will get more than 100 seats," Mr Sonowal said. The Chief Minister visited a temple in Dibrugarh before casting his vote.
Bharatiya Janata Party delegation led by party leader Kailash Vijayvargiya to meet CEO West Bengal at 2pm, today, reports news agency ANI.
Bengal Assembly Polls: BJP Accuses Trinamool Of Creating Disturbances At Polling Booths
BJP candidate from West Midnapore Samit Das on Saturday alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) is creating disturbances in the rural areas of the district as voting in the first phase of Assembly polls is underway, reported news agency ANI.
Samir Das cast his vote at a polling booth in Bengal's West Midnapore district.
"Voting in Midnapore town is going on smoothly. But, at some places in rural areas, TMC workers are trying to create a disturbance," Mr Das told news agency ANI.
"At booth number 266 and 267, some TMC workers entered the booth to influence the voters. We have complained to the Election Commission regarding the matter," he said, adding, "We trust the Central police force. They are trying to help in conducting the polls smoothly."
Bengal Phase 1 Polls: Trinamool Delegation To Meet Chief Electoral Officer To Raise "Serious Concerns"
A Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation will meet the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) at 12 pm today to raise "some serious concerns", as polling for the first phase of state assembly elections is underway, reported news agency ANI.
Taking to Twitter, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) questioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) on how the voting percentage reduced drastically to half within five minutes.
"What is happening @ECISVEEP?! Could you explain how voting percentage drastically reduced to half within a gap of just 5 minutes?! Shocking! @CEOWestBengal, please look into this urgently!" AITC tweeted.
Meanwhile, the voter turnout for the first phase for polling in West Bengal stood at 15.30 per cent as of 10:19 am on Saturday.
Bengal Phase 1 Polls: Two Security Personnel Injured In Bombing, Firing In Purba Medinipur
Hours before the first phase of polling began in West Bengal Assembly elections, the Purba Medinipur district witnessed violence as bombing and firing took place in the Satsatmal village at the Argoal gram panchayat in Bhagabanpur Assembly constituency, injuring two security personnel, reported news agency ANI.
Patashpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Deepak Kumar Chakraborty and a Central Force soldier were seriously injured in the incident.
After primary treatment at Egra Super Specialty Hospital, the injured personnel were shifted to Kolkata for further treatment.
Election Live News: BJP contesting in 39 seats, Congress in 43 
West Bengal Polls: People Stopped From Voting In Bengal's Contai, Alleges Soumendu Adhikari
Soumendu Adhikari, BJP leader and brother of Suvendu Adhikari, today alleged that people were being stopped from voting at a polling centre in Contai, reported news agency ANI.
"Voters being influenced and stopped from voting at booth number 149. Overall polling is being held peacefully. EVMs are malfunctioning at some locations; it happens in all polls, the EC is looking into it," Soumendu Adhikari told the news agency.
The BJP leader said there should be free and fair polls and they have approached the Election Commission.
"We approached the EC that there should be free and fair polls. People will choose whom they want. TMC is scared. We have given the name of one Alauddin to Election Commission, he created disturbance there," Mr Adhikari said.
Soumendu Adhikari, a former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, joined BJP earlier this year ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
The results of the Bengal and Assam elections, as well as that of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry, will be declared on May 2.
A voter at a polling booth in Assam. 10.2% of the eligible voters in the state have exercised their franchise till 9:30 am.
Assam elections: Bihu decorations, children's play corner at model poll booths: Pics
Voters in Assam turned out to cast their ballot at the polling booths, some of which had been decorated extensively. In Assam's Jorhat, a model polling station was built and decorated with the state's traditions. Bihu decorations were also incorporated at the booth. In Batadraba, the first voter was with a 'gamusa' and a sapling at the model polling station. Voting began in 47 seats of Assam this morning in the first phase of the staggered assembly elections in the state."
Assam Elections 2021: Masks, gloves, sanitisers for voters at polling booth in Lahowal
Voters at the polling centre in Mankata area of Lahowal constituency are being provided masks, gloves and hand sanitisers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The temperature of voters is also being checked at a primary school - designated as a polling booth.
People were also seen maintaining social distancing at the polling centre.
Binod Hazarika of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Manoj Dhanowar of Congress and Likhan Baruah of Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) are in the fray from Lahowal constituency.
Assam Election Live News: BJP is contesting 39 seats, ally AGP in 10
Assembly Elections 2021 LIVE Updates: 14.3% Turnout Till 9:30 In Bengal, 10.2% In Assam
West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 14.3 per cent till 9:30 am while 10.2% of the eligible voters have exercised their franchise during the period. Overall 1.54 eligible voters in these two states can exercise their franchise today.
A separate corner with toys has been set up for children accompanying their parents to polling booths in Assam.
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021: BJP candidate from West Midnapore casts vote
BJP candidate from West Midnapore, Samit Das casts vote at a polling booth. BJP candidate from West Midnapore, Samit Das casts vote at a polling booth. Mr Das faces a tough challenge from actor June Malia, a known face on the Bengali silver screen, and Tarun Kumar Ghosh of the CPI.
Assam Assembly Elections 2021: Chief Minister Sonowal among big names in Phase 1
West Bengal, Assam Assembly Elections 2021: "Your vote will decide future," BJP chief JP Nadda urges people to vote in record numbers
BJP national president JP Nadda has urged voters to come out in record numbers and "participate in the festival of democracy" by exercising their right to vote.
"Today is the first phase of polling in the West Bengal assembly elections. Your vote will decide the future for you and the state. I urge all voters to ensure their participation in this festival of democracy by taking all precautions against COVID-19. Remember, first vote, then breakfast," the BJP chief tweeted.
"Today is the first phase of polling in the Assam assembly elections. I request all voters to participate in this sacred festival of democracy in record numbers and set a new voting record. Additionally, wear masks and maintain social distancing," he added.
West Bengal Election Today: Jhargram, Medinipur, Patashpur and Ramnagar among big seats
Jhargram, Medinipur, Patashpur and Ramnagar are among the big seats in Bengal in this phase. Medinipur will be closesly watched as it is the home turf of Suvendu Adhikari - the ex-Trinamool MLA and close aide of Mamata Banerjee, whose defection to the BJP triggered a furious row with his former party. The Trinamool has fielded Bengali actor June Malia from this seat against the BJP's Shamit Dash.
West Bengal will have an eight-phase poll, while in Assam the exercise will be completed in three phases on March 27, April 1 and 6. Altogether 264 candidates, including 23 women, are contesting in the state polls.
Assam Election Live News: BJP is contesting 39 seats, ally AGP in 10
The BJP is contesting 39 of the 47 seats in this phase and ally AGP (Asom Gana Parishad) 10. The two parties will go head-to-head in a "friendly contest" in two seats. The Congress - at the end of a 'mahajot' (grand alliance) - will contest 43 seats, with one each for the AIDUF of Badruddin Ajmal, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the AGM and the CPIML. A third option for voters is the fledgling Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), which was formed last year by the All Assam Students' Union and the Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad.
Poll officials distribute plant saplings to voters at Model polling station in Assam's Jorhat
Assam Election Live News: Congress has fielded most number of rich candidates, BJP is close second
West Bengal Election 2021: BJP has most number of candidates with criminal cases
Assam Election Live News: Voters outside a polling booth in Dibrugarh
Voters outside a polling booth in Dibrugarh. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will cast vote in the constituency later today. Mr Sonowal is among the high-profile candidates in the first phase. He is contesting from Majuli (ST) seat where he is locked in a direct contest with three-time former Congress MLA and former minister Rajib Lochan Pegu.
West Bengal Election 2021: 26 Of 30 seats in phase 1 voted for Trinamool in 2016
Trinamool Congress claimed 26 of 30 seats in the last elections. For this election they are contesting 29 seats and supporting an independent candidate in the other. The BJP is working on an identical formula - the 30th seat has been given to an ally. The Congress is fighting 10 seats, with 18 going to the Left - the majority alliance partner.
PM Modi calls upon "young friends" in West Bengal and Assam to vote in record numbers
As voting began in West Bengal and Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon voters to excercise their franchise in record numbers.
Assam Election Live News: Speaker Hitendranath Goswami faces former MLA Rana Goswami in Jorhat
Voters at a polling booth in Jorhat in Assam. The constituency is likely to wittness a close fight between assembly speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami of BJP and heavyweight Rana Goswami.
JUST IN: Voting begins in 30 seats of West Bengal, 47 seats of Assam for first phase of state elections.
Assam Election Live News: Voters queue outside a polling station in Nagaon
In Assam, most of these seats will witness a triangular contest between the ruling BJP-AGP alliance, the Congress-led opposition grand alliance and the newly formed Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP). Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is among the high-profile candidates in the first phase. Mr Sonowal is contesting from Majuli (ST) seat where he is locked in a direct contest with three-time former Congress MLA and former minister Rajib Lochan Pegu.
The assembly elections to the two states apart from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry are the first, after the state polls in Bihar, to be held during the pandemic.
Stakes High For BJP, AGP In First Phase Of Assam Polls TodayThe stakes for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) are high in Assam where 47 seats of 126 Assembly constituencies across 34 districts will go for polling to the first of the three-phase elections on Saturday.
Polling will begin at 7 am today in 47 constituencies across 12 districts in Assam where the ruling BJP and Congress-AIUDF alliance are locked in a direct electoral contest.
In the first phase, a total of 264 candidates are in the fray on the 47 seats -- 42 from 11 districts of the Upper and northern region of the state and five seats from central Assam's Nagaon district.
The ruling BJP, who had wrestled power from the Congress in 2016 after a 15-year rule, is seeking a second term with the help of the AGP and the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL).
The Congress-led United People's Alliance (UPA) "Mahajath" and United Regional Front (URF) led by activist Akhil Gogoi's Raijor Dal have posed as formidable opponents.
''Khela Shuru'' In Bengal: Phase-I Polls Begins TodayThe "Khela" (game) of power begins in West Bengal on Saturday with the beginning of the first of the eight-phase assembly polls in the state.
In the first phase, 30 seats covering all assembly constituencies from the districts of Purulia and Jhargram and a segment of Bankura, Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur are going for polls.
The first phase of polling will decide the electoral fate of 191 candidates including 21 women.
The state is likely to witness a triangular contest this time with Trinamool Congress (TMC), Congress-Left alliance and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the fray.