Campaigning gains momentum in poll-bound West Bengal

Kolkata, Apr 25 (ANI): Campaigning is in full swing in all 75 seats spread over Kolkata and neighbouring two districts for third phase of assembly polls on Wednesday.

The 75 assembly constituencies fall mainly in Kolkata, North 24-Parganas and South 24-Parganas districts.

These three districts will play a crucial role for all the political parties, especially the Left Front and Trinamool Congress, in their race for the state secretariat.

Addressing a rally in the South 24 Pargana District, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said, the State Government has failed to spend the 1000 crore rupees Central grant for various developmental projects.

"The tempest of change which started in North Bengal, will turn into a Cyclone in South Bengal and will uproot the Left-Front government," he added.

Meanwhile, State Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said the Left Front is seeking a continuous 8th term on the basis of good governance.

"The Left Front has presented an agenda before the people with focus on agricultural development, industrialization and improved Public Distribution System," he added.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief Mamta Banerjee has asked her supporters not to get provoked by what she termed baseless charges by the Left Front leaders.

Addressing a public meeting at Garia in the South 24 Parganas, she asked the people to rise to the occasion and vote for change.

The Election Commission has appointed S. Srinivasan, the Chief Electoral officer of Odisha as special observer for overseeing the third phase Assembly polls.

The first and second phase of voting took place on April 18 and 23 respectively.

The third phase will take place on April 27, fourth phase on May 3, fifth phase on May 7 and sixth phase on May 10. (ANI)