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An estimated voter turnout of 61.2 per cent was recorded in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election on Saturday in 58 constituencies across six states and two Union territories, with the polling percentage in the Jangal Mahal region of West Bengal touching 79.47.

 

Incidents of violence, including an alleged assault on a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate, minor clashes and protests were reported from West Bengal while there were instances of EVM malfunctioning at some places, including Delhi.

 

With the conclusion of this phase, polling is now complete in 486 seats in 28 states and Union territories. The last of the seven phases of polling in 57 seats is scheduled on June 1 and counting of votes will be taken up on June 4.

 

Over 11.13 crore voters — 5.84 crore male, 5.29 crore female and 5120 third gender —were eligible to exercise their franchise in this phase. The Election Commission (EC) deployed around 11.4 lakh polling officials at 1.14 lakh polling stations.

 

In West Bengal, voting was held in the tribal belt Jangal Mahal region, spanning five districts. A hotspot for identity politics, the region sends eight representatives to Lok Sabha from Tamluk, Kanthi, Ghatal, Jhargram, Medinipur, Purulia, Bankura, and Bishnupur seats. Out of the eight seats, the BJP won five and TMC bagged three in the 2019 polls.

 

BJP’s Jhargram candidate Pranat Tudu claimed his convoy was attacked in Garbeta area of Paschim Medinipur district. Tudu also received injuries on his forehead, which needed medical attention.

 

Minor clashes broke out between supporters of the ruling TMC and BJP in the Ghatal constituency over stopping polling agents from entering the booths.

 

In the Midnapore constituency, BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul faced “go back” slogans from TMC activists. Subsequently, a scuffle broke out between BJP and TMC activists, following which central forces reached the spot to disperse the mob.

 

A group of people shouted slogans against BJP candidate and former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay when he reached the polling booth in Tamluk.