All steps taken to ensure smooth polling: EC

Krishnagar, Apr 20 (UNI) Deputy Election Commissioner Anand Kumar today said the Election Commission was taking all possible steps to ensure free and fair second phase of Assembly elections for 66 constituencies in four districts of West Bengal on April 22.

Addressing reporters after visiting different areas to oversee the polling arrangements, Mr Kumar said all personnel involved in polling would reach their respective polling stations by tomorrow evening.

He said the EC has laid special emphasis in four districts -- Nadia, Howrah, Hoogly and east Medinipur- so that voters could reach the polling booths and cast vote fearlessly.

About 600 companies of para-military force have been deployed in these districts to maintain peaceful voting.

Any intimidation to electors to any degree would attract the EC if such complaint was received by it, added Mr Anand.

He said the para-militry personnel would patrol the booths to instill confidence among the common voters and added once the voters turn on queue, he or she wold be allowed to cast vote beyond scheduled time.

West Bengal chief electoral officer Debashis Sen was present during the news conference.

UNI XC PC PK RAI1957