Polling has commenced in eight constituencies of West Bengal as part of the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The constituencies include Tamluk, Kanthi, Ghatal, Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, and Bishnupur in West Medinipur district.

Voting began at 7 AM and will continue until 6 PM across 58 centers in eight states and union territories. This phase is critical for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won five out of six seats in these constituencies in the 2019 elections.

The BJP has been actively promoting its presence in the tribal areas of West Bengal through the efforts of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for over three decades. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) relies on the Muslim vote bank in the region, although this demographic is relatively small.

Recently, Home Minister Amit Shah expressed confidence that the BJP would secure 30 out of 42 seats in West Bengal. To achieve this ambitious target, the party aims to capture nearly all eight seats in this phase.

The Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, consists of representatives directly elected by the people. As of 2019, there have been 17 Lok Sabhas constituted. The maximum quorum of representatives for the Lok Sabha is 552, including a maximum of 20 delegates from Union Territories. The President can nominate up to two members from the Anglo-Indian community if deemed underrepresented.

Currently, the Lok Sabha has a total of 545 members, including the Speaker and two nominated representatives (if any). Each Lok Sabha serves a five-year term, after which it automatically dissolves unless extended by a state of emergency declaration.

As voting proceeds in West Bengal, the outcomes of this phase will be pivotal for both the BJP and the TMC. The results will not only influence the political landscape of West Bengal but also contribute significantly to the overall tally in the Lok Sabha elections.