18% and 12% voters turnout in Bengal and Assam respectively till 9 am

People from Assam and Bengal have started voting for the first phase of the elections today, which will continue for a month.  As the ruling party, BJP was already geared up for the polls as it is planning to expand its footprint into regions, it was weak traditionally.

Till the 9 am Bengal has witnessed 18 percent of voter turnout and Assam witnessed 12 percent turnout. According to a report, Upper Assam, which has a stronghold of Congress will also vote today and is expected that it will play a key role in whether the BJP will be able to deny three times Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi of Congress for the fourth time.

Elections in the state are being held in six phases and Assam would vote in two phases- 65 of its constituencies will vote today and remaining 61 will vote on 11 April.

Votes for Assam and West Bengal would be counted next month on May 19th, along with Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.