India, April 24 -- Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that during the first phase of polling in West Bengal, 'goons' linked to chief minister Mamata Banerjee's party stayed off the streets, and issued a stern warning ahead of the second phase scheduled for April 29.

The first phase of polling was held across 152 constituencies in West Bengal on Thursday, with around 92.35% voter turnout by 11 pm. This marked the highest-ever percentage in West Bengal since Independence, chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said.

Follow for live updates on West Bengal elections

Some clashes were reported in parts of Bengal, including flare-ups in parts of Murshidabad, Birbhum, Cooch Behar and Dakshin Dinajpur. Crude bombs were allegedly...