WB Polls: Voters turn-out is 60 percent till mid day

Amid reports of stray incidents of violence in some areas, an estimated 60 per cent voters today exercised franchise till 1 pm in 31 assembly constituencies in three districts of West Bengal.

Election Commission officials said West Midnapore recorded 65 per cent, Bankura 57.6 per cent and Burdwan 56.7 per cent voters turn-out, despite sweltering heat.

Five-time CPM MLA from Narayangarh and Leader of Opposition Surjya Kanta Mishra was among the early voters.  While seven EVMs were found to be malfunctioning in Barjora seat, two in Bankura seat and three at Chatna before polling began in Bankura district, they were replaced quickly.

One EVM developed problem during voting at Chatna which was also replaced. Polling was disrupted for some time at a booth under Pandaveswar Assembly seat in Burdwan district when the third polling officer Parimal Bauri died of heart attack.

Voting resumed after another person took charge of his duty. Sporadic incidents of violence were reported from polling  booths under Jamuria Assembly constituency in Burdwan. Two bags containing bombs were found near booth number 35 in Jamuria by the police.

In the same constituency, a CPM agent was injured after he was allegedly beaten up by Trinamool Congress workers and obstructed from entering a polling booth.

Repoll in two booths of Bankura and West Midnapore districts, where polling was held in the first part of the first phase poll on April 4, is also being held today.

Around 70 lakh voters will exercise franchise today in the second part of first phase of polls. The fate of 163 candidates, including 21 women, will be decided.