Bengal assembly elections: Over 3.6 crore voters eligible for first phase polls on April 23, says EC

NEW DELHI: More than 3.6 crore electors across 16 districts are eligible to vote in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections on April 23, according to data released by the Election Commission.The electoral rolls for the phase include 1.84 crore men, 1.75 crore women and 465 third gender voters, reflecting a broad and inclusive voter base. Polling in the first phase will cover 152 seats, while the remaining 142 constituencies will go to polls in the second phase on April 29. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.Among districts, Murshidabad has the highest number of voters at 50.26 lakh, followed by Purba Medinipur with 41.60 lakh and Paschim Medinipur with 37.70 lakh electors. Kalimpong has the lowest voter count at 2.01 lakh.In north Bengal, Cooch Behar accounts for 22.63 lakh voters, while Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar have 17.19 lakh and 11.64 lakh electors, respectively. Darjeeling district has 11.10 lakh voters.Uttar Dinajpur has 19.68 lakh electors, while Dakshin Dinajpur accounts for 11.59 lakh. Malda district has a voter base of 27.91 lakh.In western districts, Bankura has 29.19 lakh voters, Purulia has 22.52 lakh, and Jhargram has 9.10 lakh electors. Paschim Bardhaman accounts for 19.65 lakh voters, while Birbhum has 26.91 lakh electors.An Election Commission official said the rolls have been updated to ensure accuracy and participation. “updated after due revision and verification to ensure maximum accuracy and inclusiveness”."All necessary measures have been taken to ensure that eligible voters can participate in the democratic process without inconvenience," the official added.