Over 79% Turnout In 3rd Phase; One Dead In Violence

Kolkata: Among reports of sporadic violence which killed one person and series of clashes between political rivals during which bombs were exploded, there was 79.22 percent voter turnout in the third phase of West Bengal Assembly elections involving 62 constituencies in four districts on Thursday.

The Election Commission (EC) said that 79.22 per cent voter turnout was recorded in today's polls.

However, the EC added that the turnout could be more as the figures were based on text messages sent by polling officials from the field till 5 PM.

Deputy Election Commission in charge of West Bengal Sandeep Saxena said while one person was found murdered near a polling station, nine others were injured in clashes between political rivals during which crude bombs were used. When asked whether the incidents of violence were the highest in this phase, he said the Commission “cannot compare” the number of incidents in each phase.

The body of a 35-year-old CPI(M) supporter, identified as Tahidur Islam, was found about 500 metres away from the polling booth at Shibapara area of Domkal assembly seat in Murshidabad district.

In Kolkata, Trinamool leader Anwar Khan was arrested following instructions from Chief Electoral Officer Sunil Gupta after he was shown on TV channels abusing the poll panel while talking to a party worker over phone.

In Burdwan’s Ketugram constituency, four persons were injured in separate incidents.

A CPI(M) worker’s ear was slashed and the leg of another party supporter fractured in a scuffle in front of a booth number 78. Two other CPI(M) workers were injured at booth number 48 when bombs were reportedly hurled at them.

District Election Officer Soumitra Mohan said four persons have been arrested in this connection.

Over 1.37 crore (1,37,42,000) voters were eligible to elect their legislators across 16,461 polling stations, including 10 auxiliary booths, from among 418 candidates, including 34 women. Earlier voters in 105 of the state’s total 294 assembly constituencies exercised their right to franchise on April 4, 11 and 17 in the first two phases. Polling in the fourth, fifth and sixth phases will be held on April 25, 30 and May 5 for 49, 53 and 25 constituencies respectively.