Voting began peacefully on Tuesday at the Dhupguri Assembly Constituency (SC) by-poll in West Bengal’s northern district of Jalpaiguri amid tight security, official sources said.
So far, no untoward incident has been reported in the two and a half hours since polling started in fair weather, they added.
The polling began exactly at 7 am in almost all 260 booths, where the electorate was seen standing patiently on the queues from early hours to cast their vote early.
While the women, who were seen in major numbers, have their own separate line from the men’s voters.
The central paramilitary forces on guard were seen managing the queues, and the elders were allowed to sit wherever the benches were found empty. Most of the polling centres are located at the schools, which have been closed for voting purposes.
As many as 2,68,899 voters are expected to cast their vote in all 260 booths up to 5 PM.
Although seven candidates are in the fray, the contest is restricted to the ruling TMC, main opposition BJP and CPI (M)-led Left Front candidate, which has the support of the Congress party.
CPI (M) candidate Ishwar Chandra Roy Trinamool Congress has fielded Nirmal Chandra Roy, a professor from the Rajbanshi community, and Tapasi Roy, the widow of CRPF jawan Jagannath Roy, who was martyred in Kashmir while on duty, as the BJP candidates.
The Dhupguri by-election is needed after its sitting MLA, Bishnu Pada Roy, died in July last year.
Sources said some 30 companies of paramilitary forces participated in the by-poll, and the result will be announced on September 8.
UNI PC ARN
