Highest turnout in fourth phase Bengal polling

Kolkata, May 3(UNI) Recording the highest ever turnout, at least 82 per cent of the 9.3 million electorate exercised their right to franchise in the fourth phase of Bengal Assembly elections in Birbhum, Burdwan and Murshidabad districts today.

Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) Debasish Sen said the polling was peaceful and it continued in many areas well far beyond deadline of 1700 hrs. with voters waiting in long queues in front of booths.

According to official reports received from districts till 20 00 hrs, Birbhum and Burdwan recorded about 84 and 82 per cent polling respectively, while Murshidabad accounted for around 80 per cent.

With many booths recording between 85 and 90 per cent polling, the average figures were expected to go up further, the reports said.

In the first three rounds of polling held on April 14, 22 and 27, the percentage varied between 78 and 81.

A Birbhum report said polling was continuing beyond 20 00 hours in at least 50 booths. Similar reports were recoved from two other districts also.

Eds. Here pick up suitably from earlier series.

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