Voting for the 18th Lok Sabha elections in India, the world's largest democracy, begins today on Friday. In seven phases, about 97 crore voters of the country will vote and elect their preferred representatives in different parts of the country. In the first phase, polling will be held today in a total of 102 constituencies in 21 states and union territories of the country. Among them are three centers in West Bengal. The constituencies are Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri.
Voting will start from 7 am on Friday (April 19) and will continue till 6 pm. Besides the central forces, the Election Commission has also trusted the state police for election security.
The main battle in the election is going to be between the ruling BJP-led NDA alliance and the Indian National Congress-led 'India' alliance. Bharatiya Janata Party, the main party of the ruling NDA alliance, is moving ahead with the target of 370 seats. And their target for alliance is 400 seats.
The Election Commission of India has completed all preparations for the polls on Friday. In the first phase, polling will be held in 102 constituencies on April 19. Security has been beefed up across the country ahead of polling.