SEC chief discusses poll security arrangements with Guv

West Bengal State Election Commissioner Mira Pandey today met Governor M K Narayanan and discussed developments including security arrangements for Panchayat polls in the state.
"All aspects have been discussed. Yes, he wanted to know about the security position and I told him what we have said to the state government in this regard," Pandey told reporters.
Earlier, the State Election Commissioner had agreed to the formula proposed by the state government for district wise holding of the Panchayat elections in three phases.
"Yes, we will issue the notification this week, on the 9-4-4 formula," Pandey had said yesterday confirming the commission's acceptance of the government's distribution of districts over the three phases.

Polls are likely to be held on July 2, 6 and 9.
A division bench of the Calcutta High Court had on May 14 rejected the State Election Commission (SEC) order for 800 companies of central forces to man the panchayat polls and directed that the election be held in three phases and the process be completed by July 15.
In its order, the court has also directed that the poll date be notified by the state government in consultation with the SEC.