Kolkata: Around 23 percent polling was reported in the first two hours in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections that began at 7.00 a.m. on Monday. Polling began in 18 constituencies spread across three western districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia amid tight security.

The 18 constituencies include nine in Purulia, three in Bankura and six in West Midnapore. "A little over 23 percent turnout has been recorded in the first two hours. There are no reports of violence," said an election commission official.