Kolkata, May 10 (ANI): Around fifty per cent polling was recorded in the first five hours of voting in 14 Maoist-hit constituencies spread over West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts.
The voting, which started at 7 a.m. will continue till 3 p.m.
An electorate of over 26.57 lakh voters will decide the fate of 97 candidates.
Prominent candidates whose fate would be decided in this phase include, CPI (M)'s Susanta Ghosh, the controversial minister in Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's government contesting from Garbeta and his main rival Hema Chowbey of the Congress.
Jailed PCPA leader Chhatradhar Mahato, who floated an unrecognised political party called Durniti Santras O Samrajyabad Birodhi Ganatantrik Mancha, is contesting as an Independent from the Jhargram seat.
Tight security arrangements have been made to ensure peaceful polling.
Besides the 41 para-military companies permanently stationed in the three districts to tackle Maoists, 614 additional companies have been deployed for the polls besides a huge number of state forces.
Over 3500 polling booths have been set up in three districts.
The Inter state border with Jharkhand and Orissa have been sealed to prevent the entry of unwanted persons during voting.
The Left Front has fielded candidates in 12 seats. While the Trinamool Congress is contesting in nine seats, its ally Congress is fighting in four seats.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting in all 14 seats.
Of the six phased elections in West Bengal, four have been completed on April 18, 23, 27 May 3 and 7.
The counting of votes will be held on May 13. (ANI)
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