West Bengal: Maoist heartland votes in 6th Phase; One Muslim in fray

By TCN Staff Reporter,

Kolkata: In the 6th and final phase today, the Maoist heartland of West Bengal is voting for a new government at Writers’ Building in Kolkata. In all, votes are being cast for only 14 constituencies as vote for 280 seats of 294-seat assembly has already been cast in last five phases. In total, there are 97 candidates. Only one Muslim candidate is in the fray.

Of 97, BJP has fielded 14 candidates, CPI(M) 11, Trinamool Congress 9, Congress 4, All India Forward Block 2 and CPI has fielded only 1 candidate. There are 38 candidates of unrecognised registered parties while 18 are Independents.

No party has fielded any Muslim candidate for this phase. Ansari Tahir Hussain is contesting in Balarampur assembly constituency as an Independent.

The 14 constituencies spread over parts of three western districts – West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia. For these 14 constituencies, there are over 100,000 security forces, comprising central paramilitary troopers, crack units of the state police and commandos. Besides, three helicopters are conducting aerial surveillance since Monday morning.

According to media reports, till noon, long queues of voters were seen at many booths, and so far no violence has been reported from any where. Till 1 pm, 69% votes had been cast.

Facts at a Glance- West Bengal

(6th Phase Assembly Elections on 10th May, 2011)