Kolkata, April 4 

Voting for the first phase of assembly elections began in West Bengal on Monday in 18 constituencies spread across the three western districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia amid tight security.

The 18 poll-going constituencies include- nine in Purulia, three in Bankura and six in West Midnapore.

In 13 Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected constituencies, polling will end two hours early at 4 p.m.

As many as 40,09,171 electors including 16 transgender voters will exercise their franchise in the first stage which has 133 candidates in the fray.

The staggered six-phase elections for 294 assembly seats are spread over seven polling dates and will continue till May 5.

Polling begins in Assam

Voting began on Monday morning in the first phase of assembly elections in Assam involving 65 constituencies, officials said.

A total of 95,11,732 voters, including 45,95,712 females, will decide the fate of 539 candidates, including Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in Titabar constituency, and the BJP's chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal in Majuli.

Balloting will be held at 12,190 polling stations.