Congress confident of faring well in Bengal Assy election

Kolkata, Apr 17 (UNI) The West Bengal Congress was confident of doing well in today's poll and described the first phase election as "victory of democracy", saying people had exercised their rights to franchise without fear.

The first phase poll was held in the three Moaist-dominated districts of Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore, and the heavy turnout bore an ample testimony to the people's determination to exercise their democratic rights, state party working president Pradip Bhattacharjee told newspersons here.

He also alleged that the CPI(M) cadres had threatened the voters of Sabang, Pingla, Garbeta and Narayangarh of West Midnapore district of dire consequences if they go to cast votes and charged police with not accepting any complaint in this connection.

But the people had defied the threatening and wholeheartedly participated in the polling process.

Referring to the absence of Opposition polling agent in the booths, he said it did not smack of the Opposition's lack of support base.

UNI AKM SJC/SRC1928