The first phase of election in West Bengal concluded today with few incidents of clashes and complaints regarding EVM machines from various polling-stations. A total of 191 candidates are in the fray in the recently concluded first-phase of  Bengal polls.

A total voter turnout of 79.79% was recorded in the first phase of the election upto 6:05 pm on March 27, 2021.

Purbo-Medinipur led in the voter turnout with 82.42%. The respective turnouts for Bankura, Jhargram, & Purulia were at 80.03%, 80.55%, & 77.13%. There were complaints regarding EVM malfunctioning from polling stations in Paschim Medinipur.

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A delegation of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders met the Election Commission of India on Saturday afternoon after it raised concerns over the voting percentage on the poll body’s mobile application.

“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!” the TMC tweeted along with two screenshots of the Election Commission’s voter turnout app. According to the pictures, the voter turnout in assembly seats in the Purbo Medinipur district had dropped by over 10% in five minutes.

In West Bengal, the election is scheduled to be held in 8 phases from March 27 to April, 29 and the vote counting will take place on May, 02, 2021.