Elections in Bengal free and fair: EC

Election Commission's special observer in West Bengal Sudhir Kumar Rakesh noted he could not say if polling to nine seats Wednesday was peaceful but the elections were free and fair like the earlier phases.

"I cannot say if the polls were peaceful but the third phase was free and fair much like the first two phases," he said to media queries if the third phase of Lok Sabha polls in the state was peaceful.

Rakesh said that he received over 300 phone calls and more than 150 SMSs complaining about various malpractices during the polls.

"Most of the callers and message senders could not provide details about constituency or booth details. In cases where the complainants have provided the details, it has been found that most of the booths had CRPF cover," he added.