Polling for Presidential began in West Bengal Assembly

Kolkata, July 19 (UNI): Polling for the Presidential election began in the West Bengal Assembly here today with the Trinamool Congress abstainig from the process.

The polling that started at 1000 hours will end at 1700 hours.

With a seat falling vacant following the death of a CPI(M) member, the House now has an actual strength of 293 including 234 of ruling Left Front and 23 of the Congress - all vouching support to the UPA-Left candidate Pratibha Patil.

The GNLF, SUCI and Jharkhand Party (Naren) with 3, 2 and one member respectively have all announced to support Ms Patil.

Though the Trinamool Congress having a strength of 30 has decided to abstain from voting. However, dissident member Sadhan Pandey who is under suspension from the party has declared to vote for Ms Patil.

Trinamool Congress Chairperson Mamata Banerjee has said the decision to abstain from voting had been taken in protest against President A P J Abdul Kalam not being considered as the candidate for the second time.

" The people of the country wanted Dr Kalam as the President for a second term. But unfortunately Presidential election in our country is held on the basis of number games. As a silent protest against this, we are not taking part in the election, " she told reporters.

UNI