Elections end peacefully in four Municipal areas

Kolkata, Nov 30 (UNI) The Municipal elections to Howrah Municipal Corporation, Krishnagar, Jhargram and Berhampore Municipalities ended peacefully today amid elaborate security arrangements.

The turnout was 80-85 per cent in Jhargram followed by 80, 75 and 72 per cent in Berhampore, Krishnagar and Howrah respectively.

West Midnapore District Magistrate N S Nigam said all entry points to Jhargram town were sealed last night and no vehicular movement or outsiders were allowed to enter the town since this morning.

In view of the ongoing tribal unrest in the area following Salboni landmine explosion, conducting peaceful municipal elections was important for the administration, Mr Nigam added.

Chuniwala Hansda, president and MLA of the Jharkhand party claimed that All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), Congress and Jharkhand combine would gain a majority in Jhargram municipality this time.

For the last 25 years, when this municipality was created, the Left Front had been in power.

Meanwhile, Nadia District Magistrate O S Meena said elections for the Krishnagar Municipality ended peacefully as special drive was carried out to frisk the anti-social elements from booth capturing.

Earlier, the State Election Commission had issued necessary directions to all the district administrations to ensure that no trouble-makers were allowed to enter the poll-bound areas.

Counting of votes in all the constituencies will begin on December 2.

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