West Bengal panchayat election: All you need to know

KOLKATA: The results of the West Bengal panchayat polls, which was marred by violence and repolling, take place on Thursday. Here is all you need to know about the panchayat polls:


* At least 12 people lost their lives while 43 suffered injuries in the violence on the day of poll on Monday 14th of May

* Even filing of nominations, which continued from April 2 to April 9 and then again on an extended date on April 23, was marked by violence and clashes between the ruling TMC and opposition parties that led to several deaths

* The opposition had accused the ruling TMC of letting loose a reign of terror during the nomination process. The TMC rubbished the allegations, saying the opposition did not have a mass base and was trying to evade the polls

* The West Bengal State Election Commission (SEC) had to order repolling in 568 booths following complaints of violence during the pancahayat polls

* Even PM Narendra Modi attacked the Mamata Banerjee government over violence in the panchayat polls in West Bengal saying "it was nothing but murder of democracy"

* According to West Bengal SEC (State Election Commission) sources, of the 48,650 seats in 3,358 gram panchayats, 16,814 were uncontested and of the 9,217 seats in 341 panchayat samitis, 3,059 were uncontested

* Although top leaders of all parties campaigned for the polls, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee refrained from it. She appealed to the people to vote in favour of the development ushered in by her government

* The final voting percentage was recorded at 82.13 per cent

* The panchayat election is the last major election in the state before the next year's Lok Sabha polls