Allegations of widespread electoral malpractices and violence marred the elections to 108 civic bodies in 20 districts involving 95 lakh voters in West Bengal held on Sunday.
From north to south and from early morning to late in the afternoon, there were several instances where crude bombs were hurled, EVMs were attacked and candidates and agents of the Opposition parties were driven out of the polling booths.
Violence erupted at Dhulian in Murshidabad and Dalkhoola in Uttar Dinajpur district when the Trinamool Congress supporters clashed with the supporters of independent candidates. The situation spiralled out of control and the police had to fire tear gas shells and use force to control the situation.
