Fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections underway in Bengal; High voter turnout expected

As campaigning halts in the seven constituencies of Bengal - Bangaon, Barrackpore, Howrah, Ulbediya, Shrirampur, Hooghly, and Arambag - preparations for voting are now underway. With the completion of four phases of elections across the country, the fifth phase is scheduled for Monday, encompassing these seven Lok Sabha seats in the state. A total of 88 candidates, comprising 74 males and 14 females, are contesting in this phase, with a significant focus on the 13,481 polling stations established across the constituencies.

In this phase, approximately one crore 25 lakh 23 thousand 702 voters will cast their ballots, including a noteworthy 2 lakh 60 thousand 398 first-time voters aged 18-19 years. The Election Commission has established 93 model polling stations and 1460 polling stations managed exclusively by women, ensuring dedicated arrangements for female voters. Moreover, special security measures have been implemented for the 7711 highly sensitive polling stations, with eight Central Security Force personnel deployed at each location. Notably, there are 571 voters aged 100 years or older listed in the voter rolls for this phase.