LIVE: ​40% turnout in West Bengal municipal polls, CPI(M) calls 12-hour bandh on Monday

Amid reports of violence and alleged malpractices, over 40 percent polling was recorded till afternoon for election to two municipal corporations and Siliguri Mahukuma Parishad in West Bengal as the CPI(M) called a bandh in Rajarhat-Bidhannagar area on Monday in protest.

Kolkata: The polls are a precursor to next year's assembly elections in Bengal with ruling Trinamool Congress and its arch rival Left Front once again pitted against each other.

03 October 2015

16:30 IST

Amid reports of violence and alleged malpractices, over 40 percent polling was recorded till afternoon for election to two municipal corporations and Siliguri Mahukuma Parishad in West Bengal as the CPI(M) called a bandh in Rajarhat-Bidhannagar area on Monday in protest.

Accusing TMC of unleashing a reign of terror to loot votes in the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation, CPI(M) called 12-hour bandh in Bidhannagar-Rajarahat area on Monday protesting against alleged violence and malpractices.

15:42 IST

Several journalists were assaulted and a camera was also snatched away while they were trying to cover the incidents of alleged malpractice.

A female journalist alleged that she was threatened with "rape" by outsiders who had illegally swarmed a polling booth.