
Contrary to trends elsewhere in the country, West Bengal reported more than 70 per cent polling today for its 42 Lok Sabha seats. The polls were by and large peaceful, barring a few clashes that left at least three people dead across the state.
Chief electoral officer Basudeb Bandopadhyaya said repoll may be ordered in some booths after consultation with the Election Commission. Polling was disrupted in some booths due to clashes between rival parties while in others, EVM machines were tampered with.
The Left Front has demanded repolling in nearly 40 booths in the state.
The day8217;s troublespot was Behrampore constituency in Murshidabad. There were allegations from both sides about party supporters trying to capture booths forcibly in Domkol Assembly segment of Behrampore LS seat. Criminals threw bombs in polling booths around 11 am, killing a Congress supporter. At least 10 others were injured in the clash.
Violence was reported in Calcutta North-East constituency as well. Bombs were thrown in a school in Beliaghata to scare away voters. Polling was stalled for time and mediapersons were assaulted by the attackers. CPIM supporters claimed that one of their camp offices close to the booth was burnt down by Trinamool workers.
CPIM and Trinamool members clashed in Titagarh as well. Congress candidate Pranab Mukherjee made a verbal complaint to the EC on booth-capturing at Sagardigghi in Jangipur.