Kolkata, Feb 26 : Polling for the election to 108 municipalities of 20 districts of West Bengal began at 7 AM on Sunday under a massive security blanket. More than 2000 polling booths have been wrapped in a tight security cover. There are armed police personnel from the state police present at each booth. According to election commission sources, 18 special observers have been appointed to conduct the polls. Earlier, the Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea by West Bengal BJP seeking deployment of central paramilitary forces. A bench presided by Justice D Y Chandrachud dismissed the plea by BJP leaders Mousumi Roy and Pratap Banerjee challenging the February 23 Calcutta High Court order. About 95 lakh voters will exercise their franchise to elect ward representatives and mayors to the 108 civic bodies. Polls have pending in the civic bodies for the past few years but could not be held because of Covid-19 pandemic in the State. Polling will continue till 5 PM.
UNI
