Brisk polling in Bengal’s Jangalmahal region, 63% votes cast till 1 p.m.

Brisk polling was observed in the in the 18 constituencies in three western districts of West Bengal here on Monday with almost percent 63.30 per cent votes cast till 1 p.m..

Polling began at 7 a.m. in these constituencies located in area popularly referred to as Jangalmahal region which is affected by Left wing Extremism amidst tight security measures.

Of these 18 constituencies – nine are in Purulia, three in Bankura and six in Paschim Medinipur.

Highest voting was recorded in Paschim Mednipur where 65.45 per cent votes were cast till 1 p.m. In Bankura about 62.15 per cent voters were polled and in Purulia about 61 per cent votes were called. Long queues outside polling booths were seen since morning. A large number of women and elderly citizens were seen in the queues to exercise their franchise.

The polling during the day remained stead with about 23 per cent votes polled in first two hours till 9 a.m. and 45 per cent till 11 a.m..

Thirteen of the 18 Assembly constituencies are affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and the polling there will end two hours early at 4 p.m.

A multi-layered security ring has been put in place across these 13 constituencies with at least one section of central force comprising 10 security personnel been deployed in each of the polling stations. Besides helicopters carrying out sorties, an air-ambulance and quick response teams are on the standby.

While the Election Commission received nearly 60 complaints mostly of EVMs malfunctioning presiding officer in a booth in Balarampur in Purulia were changed following allegations of trying to influence voters. There were allegations by the Congress and the Left Front that Trinamool Congress activists were attempting to influence and intimidate voters in certain booths in Purulia.

As many as 40,09,171 electors are expected to exercise their franchise during the in the first stage and will decide the fate of 133 candidates in the election fray.

Among major candidates contesting the polls are state minister Sukumar Hansda of the Trinamool from Jhargram and CPI-M’s Pulin Bihari Baske contesting from Gopiballavpur. Congress MLA Nepal Mahato contesting from Baghmundi is another interesting political contender.