Violence mars sixth phase of Bengal polls

Kolkata, April 22

Nearly 80 per cent voter turnout marked the sixth phase of polling on Thursday in the West Bengal Assembly election, which was marred by sporadic incidents of violence, firing by state police and an assault on a candidate.

EC bans roadshows, vehicle rallies in WB

Noting that Covid safety norms were being flouted in Bengal during campaigning, the Election Commission on Thursday banned roadshows and vehicle rallies in the state with immediate effect and said no public meeting having more than 500 persons would be allowed. TNS

According to the EC, 79.09 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5 pm in 43 seats where polling was held and is expected to go up further as the polling ended at 6.30 pm.

Elections were held in 43 seats — 17 in North 24 Parganas district, nine each in Nadia — including Matua strongholds at Bongaon and Krishnanagar and Uttar Dinajpur and eight in Purba Bardhaman. Matuas make for a large chunk of the state’s scheduled caste population. — PTI