Voting began on Wednesday in 142 constituencies in the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, amid unprecedented security arrangements and a high-stakes contest that could decide whether the ruling TMC retains its dominance over southern districts or the BJP can force open the gates of power in the state. Pics/PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi on Wednesday, offering prayers and performing darshan during his visit to the city. Pics/X and PTI