Clashes between TMC, CPM activists reported as Kolkata civic polls begin

Kolkata: Polling for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation registered 19 per cent voter turnout in the first two hours today amid reports of sporadic violence."Around 19 per cent polling was recorded in first two hours of polling. We have received reports where polling agents have been stopped and small scuffles took place. But we are yet to receive any reports of major violence," Sabyasachi Ghosh, Officer on Special Duty, SEC, said.[caption id="attachment_2202114" align="alignleft" width="380"] PTI image[/caption]The polling for the 144-seat Kolkata Municipal corporation began at 7 AM amid tight security throughout the city.In ward number 144 of Kudghat area, the CPI(M) accused the TMC of brutally beating up their party candidate and workers.In Kankurgachi area, incidents of voters being asked to leave without casting their votes was reported.In Garden Reach area, a TMC candidate allegedly threatened media persons. The candidate later on said that his words were misinterpreted.In Ganguly Bagan area, CPI(M) workers claimed they were beaten up by TMC supporters.The TMC leadership has denied the allegations and accused the CPI(M) of trying to escalate violence during the polls.1077 candidates are contesting the election in which 38 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise to elect a new KMC board. At present the municipal corporation is ruled by TMC which had 95 seats.PTI