Journalism of Courage
The first of the two-phase Assam Assembly election began at 7 AM Monday day amid strict security, with 65 of the state's total 126 constituencies going to the poll in which the main contenders are the ruling Congress and the BJP-AGP-BPF alliance. The first of the six-phase Assembly election in West Bengal also began simultaneously in 18 constituencies in the Left-wing extremism-affected areas.
Voters stand in queue at a polling booth to caste their vote in Silchar, Assam on Monday. (PTI Photo)
The first four hours of polling in 18 constituencies of West Bengal, witnessed a heavy turnout as more than 45 per cent people cast their votes till 11 AM in the first of the six-phase Assembly elections.
Voters queue at Chakoltor primary school under Balarampur constituency in Purulia District on the first day of first phase of West Bengal assembly election. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)
Voicing confidence that the people would elect a Congress government in Assam, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said only his party has brought change for the better through development in the state, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "failed" to fulfill his promises.
Talking to reporters after casting his vote, Gogoi said, "People want change for the better and not change for the worse".
Assam CM Tarun Gogoi after casting his vote in Jorhat. (Express Photo by Dasarath Deka)
Voters queued up at Sherkhadi primary school poling station under Bandwan constituency in Purulia District on the first day of first phase assembly election. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
A tight multi-layered security ring was thrown in the three districts of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura to tackle any threat by Maoists. So far there has been no reports of any violence or disturbance. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)
Of the 18 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, including Balarampur, Bandwan was hot bed of ultra Left activities a few years ago. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
Voting has begun in the final part of elections to the assemblies of Assam and West Bengal.
Voters queued up at Chakoltor primary school poling station under Balarampur constituency in Purulia District on the first day of first phase assembly election. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
Polling is being conducted under heavy security and no violence or untoward incident has been reported from anywhere in the two states so far, official sources said. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
Of the 18 seats, 13 are in Jangalmahal area earlier affected by Maoist violence where voting will end at 4 PM due to security considerations. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)
