Kolkata, June 22: In a re-run of last month's panchayat elections and recent by-polls in West Bengal, the opposition Trinamool Congress and BJP combine besides the Congress have again levelled charges of 'unleashing terror' against the ruling CPI(M) as 13 municipalities in West Bengal go to polls today. The CPI(M) has denied the charges and said polls would be free and fair in keeping with the traditions during elections.
An estimated 7.86 lakh voters are expected to cast their ballots to choose their nominees from 837 aspirants mostly belonging to the left front and major opposition parties. Polling will be held in a total of 265 wards under these municipalities.
The state election commissioner Ajoy Sinha said that security was tightened for peaceful polling in all municipalities where polling will be held.
While the ruling Left Front has successfully worked out an 'acceptable, seat adjustment mechanism among its allies, the polls in Balurghat municipality in south Dinajpur district may be a spoiler with front major CPI(M) and another constituent RSP failing to strike a seat-sharing deal.
RSP which is controlling the municipality will fight alone in 21 of the 23 wards. Bureau Report