Polls ended peacefully barring some spray incidents

Polls ended peacefully barring some spray incidents

Civic polls in six municipalities ended peacefully barring some spray incidents of violence at some places including in Haldia. The civic poll was the first major poll after the 2011 assembly poll which was held under tight security as it is being viewed as the first major test of the popularity of Ma Mati Manush' government led by Mamata Banerjee. 

 

All 129 seats in the six civic bodies - Durgapur, Dhupguri, Haldia, Nalhati, Daspur and Coopers' Camp - witnessed triangular contests with the main contestants being from the Congress, Trinamool Congress and CPI (M)-led Left Front.  The seats were spread over five districts - Jalpaiguri, East Midnapore, Nadia, Birbhum and Burdwan. Among them highest poll was recorded at Cooper's Camp of Nadia district a total of 92% votes. However the Election Commission reports claims the total casting of votes at 80%. 

 

The ruling alliance partner Trinamool and Congress fought the polls independently and this split is blamed on an acrimonious relationship between the two parties ever since they formed the government. Both Congress and opposition echoed their voice to blame the ruling

 

Trinamool supporters of booth capturing and rigging which remains a common picture during elections in left regime. In this regard CPM blamed Trinamool of ransacking their party stall near a polling booth at Durgapur. They also further accused Trinamool supporters of harassing their candidates in Haldia, Panskura and Durgapur municipalities and claimed that free and fair poll was not held at all.