Minor incidents of violence mar West Bengal elections

Kolkata, Nov 7 : Sporadic incidents of violence marred voting Saturday for the 10 assembly seats in West Bengal whose outcome will have long-term consequences for the ruling Left Front.

About 35 percent voters had exercised their franchise till 1 p.m., an official said.

State chief electoral officer Debasish Sen told IANS: "Polling was peaceful and smooth. There was no major incident of law and order. Only some minor incidents were reported."

A presiding officer at Sujapur constituency in Malda district was removed for allegedly trying to influence voters at the Bakharpur Primary school booth, he said.

Two people were arrested for casting "false votes" in the Belgachia East constituency on the northeastern fringes of the city.

Around 40 companies of paramilitary forces and state armed police have been deployed across the 10 constituencies: Bealgachia (East), Kalchini (ST), Rajganj (SC), Sujapur, Goalpokhar, Bongaon, Contai South, Egra, Serampore and Alipore.

Nine seats fell vacant as the legislators were elected to the Lok Sabha, while the death of popular Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Subhas Chakraborty led to the by-poll in the Belgachia (East) constituency.

The CPI-M and Trinamool Congress are contesting in five and seven seats respectively. The others have been left for the Left Front allies and the Congress.

--IANS