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This Article is From Apr 06, 2016

Over 84 Per Cent Voter Turnout In Bengal First Phase Polls: Election Commission

Over 84 Per Cent Voter Turnout In Bengal First Phase Polls: Election Commission
Among the 18 seats -- nine in Purulia, three in Bankura and six in West Medinipur -- across three districts, Salboni constituency topped the list with the maximum voter turnout of 90.18 per cent. (PTI file photo)
Kolkata: The Election Commission today said over 84 per cent voters turned out to cast their ballots in 18 constituencies in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly polls on April 4.

Among the 18 seats -- nine in Purulia, three in Bankura and six in West Medinipur -- across three districts, Salboni constituency topped the list with the maximum voter turnout of 90.18 per cent.

Purulia constituency had the lowest voter turnout of 79.76 per cent.

According to the Election Commission report, voter turnout in the nine constituencies in Purulia was comparatively less than in Bankura and Paschim Medinipur.

Regarding the next date of polls in 31 constituencies to be conducted in April 11, the Election Commission today said more than 69 lakh (69,90,900) voters across 8,465 polling stations would decide the fate of 163 candidates.

In the third phase, among 62 constituencies spread across Murshidabad, Nadia and Kolkata-North, 421 nominations have been filed till Tuesday, and two of them were rejected, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dibyendu Sarkar said.

He said 138 nominations as on Tuesday were filed in 49 constituencies in 24 Parganas (North) and Howrah districts for the fourth phase, and 37 nominations were filed for 53 seats in 24 Parganas (South), Hooghly and Kolkata-South for the fifth phase.

Asked about Trinamool Congress candidate and Saradha scam accused Madan Mitra's plea before the Election Commission for parole to campaign in the polls, he said: "The question of parole does not arise. Parole is considered for a convicted, he is not. He is an accused... this does not apply to him."

Mr Sarkar also said complaints were received against Trinamool candidate Sabyasachi Dutta about his alleged links with the syndicate mafia. The complaints have been forwarded to the Election Commission of India.