Voting for the first phase of the Bengal and Assam elections began this morning - for 30 and 47 seats respectively. In Bengal the Trinamool faces a stern test from the BJP (and a lesser one from the Congress-Left alliance) in its bid for a third straight term. In Assam the BJP is hoping to win a second straight term, with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal the biggest name on the ballot today. In 2016 the Trinamool swept 26 of the 30 seats on offer today. In Assam the BJP won 35 of 47 seats. Polling booths opened at 7 am and will close at 6 pm; polling has been extended by an hour due to the Covid pandemic. In Assam, a voter turnout of 45.2 per cent was recorded till 1.30 pm. In Bengal the turnout was 54.9 per cent. Results will be declared May 2.
