81.25 percent polling in phase four of Bengal assembly elections

A voter turnout of 81.25 percent was recorded in the fourth phase of West Bengal assembly polls covering 49 constituencies spread over two districts, the Election Commission said on Tuesday.

While the average polling figure in the 33 North 24 Parganas district constituencies was 82.03 percent, the 16 seats in Howrah district polled 79.67 percent.

Basirhat North in North 24 Parganas saw the highest polling figure - 89.51 percent. The lowest polling was recorded in Howrah North (67.83 percent).

The star-studded Howrah North is witnessing a fight between BJP's actress-candidate Roopa Ganguly, retired international cricketer Laxmi Ratan Shukla of Trinamool Congress and Left Front-backed Congress nominee Santosh Pathak.

Kamarhati in North 24 Parganas, from where Saradha scam accused Madan Mitra - now in jail - is seeking re-election, saw 74.84 percent polling.

In the same district, the polling percentage in Khardah constituency was 82.22 percent. State Finance, Industries and Information Technology Minister Amit Mitra is locking horns with old rival and fellow economist Asim Dasgupta of the Communist Party of India-Marxist from the area.

Bidhannagar, that includes the posh satellite township Salt Lake - an abode of celebrities, top administrative and police officials, and well-heeled professionals - saw 67.92 percent polling.

--IANS

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