Kolkata, April 23 -- Under an unprecedented security cover, close to 79 per cent of the 3.60 crore plus electorate registered their democratic choice amid sporadic incidents of violence and alleged intimidation eight hours into polling encompassing 152 seats in round one of the two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections on Thursday.
The Election Commission of India said a voter turnout of 78.77 per cent was recorded by 3 pm, three hours before the official end of voting that started at 7 am, with enthusiastic voters forming long queues before the polling booths.
Happy over the high polling, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "A storm of change is sweeping West Bengal. ""I appeal to first-time voters to vote in favour of trust and drive away...