Kolkata

CPI(M) West Bengal secretary Md Salim on Thursday said voting in the first phase of the state Assembly elections was largely peaceful, though he held the Election Commission responsible for isolated incidents of unrest reported in certain areas.

Responding to allegations that the BJP candidate from Kumarganj in Dakshin Dinajpur was assaulted by Trinamool Congress supporters, Salim said election authorities and police observers should have acted more vigilantly.

“Polling has generally remained peaceful, except for a few incidents in Birbhum and parts of Murshidabad. Overall, the shortcomings of the Election Commission are visible,” Salim said.

Scattered incidents of clashes and attacks on candidates were reported from some constituencies, leading the Election Commission to seek detailed reports from affected regions.

West Bengal witnessed a strong voter turnout during the first phase, with more than 41 per cent of the 3.60 crore eligible voters casting their ballots by 11 am on Thursday.

READ MORE: West Bengal Polls: In first phase, 152 seats outcome crucial for Mamata, BJP

Polling is underway in 152 constituencies spread across 16 districts, where 1,478 candidates, including 167 women, are in the fray for seats in the 294-member Assembly.