80 per cent cast votes in fourth phase of Bengal polling

Kolkata, May 3 (UNI) In a massive turnout, at least 80 per cent of the 9.3 million electorate today exercised their franchise in three districts of West Bengal, as the fourth and penultimate phase of Assembly elections passed off peacefully.

Even though polling was officially over at 1700 hrs, a large number of people waited in long queues in front of many booths even after the deadline to cast their votes, indicating a further rise in the percentage.

Deputy Election Commissioner Anand Kumar said polling was ''absolutely peaceful'' and no untoward incident had been reported so far.

Sources in the election office said Birbhum and Burdwan recorded more than 82 and 78 per cent turnout respectively, while Murshidabad accounted for around 75 per cent.

Braving an average temperature of 44 degree Celsius, voters turned up in huge numbers in front of most of the booths in all the three districts and waited in queues patiently.

Overflowing enthusiasm of electorate marked even the posh areas with people from all walks of life coming out to vote ignoring the scorching sun.

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