Voting begins for first phase of 2 state elections in India

Voting for the first phase of local elections in two Indian states of Assam and West Bengal Monday began amid tight security, officials said.

Polling began at 7:00 a.m. (local time) and would go on until 5:00 p.m. in the evening.

Reports said long queues of people including women both young and old were seen waiting to cast their ballots at the designated polling booths in the twin sates.

"Over 22.77 percent voter turnout has been recorded in the first phase of Assam Assembly elections in 65 constituencies till 11:00 a.m. (local time)," an official said. "In West Bengal, voting is under way for 18 Assembly constituencies under phase first and 45.15 percent voting has been reported till 11:00."

Officials said no untoward incident has been reported from anywhere in the poll bound areas.

For West Bengal's 294 constituencies, only 18 are voting today. The remaining constituencies will be made to vote in remaining five phases across the state. Assam would vote in two phases, with voting for 65 of its constituencies under way, the other 61 constituencies would vote on April 11.

India's ruling Hindu nationalist Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing a tough competition from opposition Congress and other regional parties.

While in northeastern state of Assam the Congress Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is seeking fourth straight term. Reports said he would be facing a stiff competition from BJP chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal and other regional parties.

In the eastern state of West Bengal, the incumbent Chief minister Mamata Banerjee of Trinamool Congress party will be seeking a second term. BJP is seen as a weak player in the state that erstwhile was a stronghold for the Left.

According to India's Election Commission, elections will be held between April 4 and May 16 in five Indian states - Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.

Counting of votes would be carried out on May 19.

Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will have elections in a single phase on May 16.

India's state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) said polling is being conducted in 12,190 polling stations under tight security arrangements.

According to the broadcaster, around 433 companies of paramilitary and 102 companies of armed Police force have been deployed to ensure smooth polling in the poll bound areas.

Source: XINHUA