West Bengal records 78.05% voting in fourth phase of assembly polls
Barring some stray incidents, the fourth phase Assembly election in West Bengal passed off peacefully on Monday amid tight security. According to Election Commission around 67 per cent polling was recorded till 3 pm. An estimated 78.05 per cent voter turnout was recorded on Monday. The elections were held in 49 assembly constituencies in Howrah, North 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts. Out of the 49 Assembly constituencies, the Trinamool Congress and Congress alliance bagged 43 seats in 2011 Assembly elections. A group of anti socials allegedly backed by the Trinamool Congress attacked the CPI(M) candidate of North Dum Dum Assembly constituency candidate Tanmoy Bhattacharjee and ransacked his car, when he went there to see a party workers who was assaulted by the ruling party supporters.
Trinamool Congress labour minister Purnendu Basu was seen threatening the central force jawans who asked him to show his identity card in a booth in Rajrahat Gopalpur area. It was also alleged that Basu went to Sitimoynagar Primary School with some party supporters and cast false votes.
The BJP candidate and actress Rupa Ganguly was involved in a scuffling with a Trinamool Congress polling agent in North Howrah Assembly constituency. Rupa went to Arvind High School in Salkia area after getting news of false voting. Voters alleged that Trinamool Congress agent was forcing them to vote in favour of Trinamool Congress nominee and cricketer Laxmiratan Shuka. When she protested, a scuffling ensued between the Trinamool Congress polling agent.
The Election Commission has sought a report from the district administration.