Kolkata, Apr 6 (UNI) Around 12.76 per cent of 7.8 million electorate exercised their franchise till 9.30 AM on Tuesday in the third phase West Bengal Assembly election to 31 seats to decide the fate of 205 candidates, an Election Commission (EC) official here said.
Among the three districts voting on Tuesday in the third phase of Assembly polls, South 24 Parganas recorded the highest voter percentage at 12.89 percent. Howrah witnessed 9.67 per cent polling whereas, Hooghly registered 8.87 percent turnout.
Long queues were seen outside polling stations, where voting will continue till 6.30 PM.
As the polling for the third phase Assembly polls began this morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J P Nadda urged voters to come out and vote in large numbers.
Taking to his tweeter handle, Mr Modi Said, “Elections are taking place in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. I request the people in these places to vote in record numbers, particularly the young voters.”
The chief minister tweeted, “My appeal to the Maa-Mati-Manush of Bengal - Do exercise your democratic right to vote. Come out in large numbers and vote today.”
The Election Commission (EC) suspended Sector Officer after EVMs found at TMC leader’s residence
According t Election commission, Tapan Sarkar, sector officer of Sector 17 in AC 177 Uluberia Uttar at Howrah district, went with Reserve EVM and slept at a relative’s house
This is a gross violation of EC’s instructions for which he has been suspended and charges will be framed for major punishment, the EC said.
The Sector Police attached to Sector Officer has also been directed to be suspended. The said EVM and VVPAT have been taken out of the stock and shall not be used in the polls.
BJP candidate from Diamond Harbour constituency in South 24 Parganas Dipak Haldar accused TMC for not allowing people to cast votes.
"TMC goons are not allowing people to cast their votes at booth no. 180, 143 Dagira Baduldanga. I have complained to the Election Commission officials," Mr Haldar said.
Voting is underway with strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols in 16 seats in South 24 Parganas district (part II), seven in Howrah (part I) and eight in Hooghly (part I).
Thermal scanning of voters is being done, hand sanitiser and hand gloves being provided to them as they stand in a queue to cast their vote for the third phase of Polls
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