The CPI(M)-led ruling Left Front in West Bengal that has tasted successive defeats in elections to the panchayat and the Lok Sabha are in for another tough electoral battle as they brace up for by-polls to 10 assembly constituencies on Saturday.
Among the Front constituents, the CPI(M) has fielded candidates in five seats, the CPI in two, the Forward Bloc, RSP and the DSP in one each.
The CPI(M) will face Trinamool Congress in four seats -- Alipur, Rajgunj, Bongaon and Belgachia East -- and will fight the latter’s ally Congress in Sujapur.
The Contai South and Serampore seats will be contested by the CPI and the Trinamool Congress while the Forward Bloc will fight the Congress in Goalpokhar.
In Kalchini, the RSP will lock horns with the Congress while at Egra, there will be a fight between the DSP and the Trinamool Congress.
Forty companies of the Central forces besides the police will be deployed to ensure peaceful, free and fair election, Chief Electoral Officer Debasish Sen said.
Over 19 lakh voters will cast their ballots in 2407 booths to elect their representatives from among 49 candidates.
