New Delhi: An estimated 84.8 per cent turnout
was recorded during the sixth and last phase of the West
Bengal Assembly elections which passed off peacefully, the
Election Commission announced on Tuesday.
"The polls were held absolutely peaceful and totally
incident free," Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi told
reporters at the end of polling.
Asked whether the poll percentage in the state this time
was the highest ever, he said it could be termed "maximum"
compared to 2006 Assembly and 2009 Lok Sabha polls.
Three helicopters were used and a special observer was
deployed over and above general and expenditure observers to
ensure peaceful polling in 14 Maoist-hit constituencies
spread over three districts, he said.
There was poll boycott in one booth because of local
issues, he said.
Asked about reasons for the large turnout, Zutshi said
this was because people came out without any fear and reached
polling stations to exercise their franchise.
The Commission has also been taking all possible measures
ever since the announcement of the poll schedule to instill
confidence among the people, he said.
The DEC said one observer will be deployed in each
assembly constituency during counting on May 13.
PTI
