Election held in 'semi-fascist' situation: CPI(M)

Alleging that the third phase of Lok Sabha election in West Bengal was held today in a 'semi-fascist' situation with rampant rigging by the ruling Trinamool Congress, the CPI(M) demanded repoll in 1,068 booths across nine constituencies.
"The elections were held in a semi-fascist situation today. The arrangement by the EC in this phase is worst. The ruling party resorted to rampant rigging and booth capturing particularly in Arambagh and Burdwan," state opposition leader and CPI(M) polit bureau member Surjya Kanta Mishra alleged.
Mishra demanded repoll in 1,068 polling stations in the nine constituencies that went to polls today.
Of the 1,068 booths, 242 are in Arambagh where CPI(M)'s Sakti Mohan Malik is seeking re-election.

"Our polling agents have been driven out of the booths in many places for rigging. Repoll is needed so that real people can vote," Left Front chairman Biman Bose alleged.
Bose, who is also the state CPI(M) secretary, alleged that central forces were not used properly and the the Election Commission had failed to ensure free and fair polls.

Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Pradip Bhattacharya too lashed out at Trinamool Congress for allegedly letting loose a reign of terror during polling.
"The polling is rigged and it was a black day for polls. We want repoll. What are the EC and the administration doing? Most of the constituencies have seen rampant rigging and booth capturing. This is a shame," Bhattacharya said.

Congress candidate in Serampore seat, Abdul Mannan, sat on a dharna there alleging rigging by the ruling party in constituencies.
In the third phase of the five-phase election in the state, an average of 81.35 per cent voters cast their votes till 6 pm in nine constituencies - Howrah, Uluberia, Serampore, Hooghly, Arambagh, Burdwan East, Burdwan-Durgapur, Bolpur and Birbhum - to decide the fate of 87 candidates.