WB: 84.8 pc polling in Maoist heartland

An estimated 84.8 per cent turnout was recorded during the sixth and last phase of the West Bengal assembly elections which passed off peacefully, the Election Commission announced on Tuesday.

"The polls were held absolutely peaceful and totally incident free," Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi told media persons at the end of polling.

Asked whether the poll percentage in the state this time was the highest ever, he said it could be termed "maximum" compared to 2006 Assembly and 2009 Lok Sabha polls.

Three helicopters were used and a special observer was deployed over and above general and expenditure observers to ensure peaceful polling in 14 Maoist-hit

constituencies spread over three districts, he said.

There was poll boycott in one booth because of local issues, he said.

Asked about reasons for the large turnout, Zutshi said this was because people came out without any fear and reached polling stations to exercise their franchise.

The Commission has also been taking all possible measures ever since the announcement of the poll schedule to instill confidence among the people, he said.

The DEC said one observer will be deployed in each assembly constituency during counting on May 13.