Congress alleges malpractices in West Bengal, seeks EC action

New Delhi, April 11: West Bengal Congress leaders on Monday moved the Election Commission alleging malpractices in some constituencies where the second part of the first phase of the assembly polls is being held, and sought "protective measures" from the poll panel.

In separate communications, party leaders sought intervention of Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi for ensuring peaceful and fair polls.

West Bengal Congress vice-president Debabrata Basu alleged state police were found inside two poll booths of Kharagpur Sadar assembly constituency.

Alleging booth capturing in Durgapur Paschim, Basu also complained about electronic voting machines not working properly in a booth of Bishnupur and another booth of Khragpur Sadar constituencies.

Manoj Chakraborty, a Congress legislator in the outgoing assembly, alleged Trinamool Congress "goons" "beat up" the Congress party candidate from Bishnupur.

He also alleged money was distributed among voters at a booth of Bankura.

Polling for 31 seats in the second part of first phase of the West Bengal assembly polls is taking place on Monday.

IANS