Annpurna Devi urges women, youth to vote in large numbers in WB polls

Union Minister Annpurna Devi on Wednesday urged voters to participate enthusiastically in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, calling upon them to turn out in record numbers to make democracy more empowered and participatory.

Union Minister Annpurna Devi on Wednesday urged voters to participate enthusiastically in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, calling upon them to turn out in record numbers to make democracy more empowered and participatory. Voting is underway in 142 constituencies of West Bengal in the second and final phase of polling. In a message on the polling day, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development appealed to all electors to take part in the ''festival of democracy'' and exercise their franchise. In a post on X, Devi said, ''Today is the second phase of voting for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. I appeal to all voters to participate enthusiastically in this great festival of democracy, cast their votes in record numbers, and make our democracy even more empowered and participatory.'' The minister also made a special appeal to women and youth in West Bengal, urging them to reach polling booths in large numbers and cast their votes. First phase of polling for 152 seats -- out of the 294 member West Bengal assembly -- was held on April 23.