WB assembly polls: 25 per cent votes cast in first two hours

Kolkata, May 10: Twenty-five per cent polling was recorded in the first two hours of voting in 14 Maoist-hit constituencies spread over three districts of West Bengal that went to polls in the sixth and last phase today.

"So far the elections here have been incident free and 25 per cent polling was recorded till 9:AM," a senior election official said here.

In West Midnapore, the polling percentage was 26 per cent, 25 per cent in Bankura 25 and in Purulia 22 per cent, the official said.

Tight security arrangements have been made to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election in 14 seats in Maoist-affected Jangalmahal area spread over West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts.

While West Midnapore district has seven seats, Purulia has four and Bankura three.

Besides 41 para-military companies permanently stationed in the three districts to tackle Maoists, 614 additional companies have been deployed for the polls besides a huge number of state forces, according to the Election Commission.

Helicopters were being used for aerial surveillance and to ensure co-ordination among ground forces.

PTI