Polling for the first phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal is progressing smoothly. The polling, which started at 7 this morning, will end at 5 pm. Voting is taking place for 54 constituencies spread over six North Bengal districts of Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, North Dinjapur, South Dinajpur and Malda. 364 candidates including 10 ministers of the present government are in the fray for this phase. Out of 12,131 polling booths, about 1,800 have been identified as sensitive. Elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure free and fair poll. Chief Electoral Officer of the State Sunil Gupta told media persons in Kolkata yesterday that all polling booths are being manned by the central forces. Inter-state and International borders along North Bengal have been sealed to prevent entry of unwanted persons. 28 general observers, 9 expenditure observers and 3 police observers will constantly monitor the polling.