West Bengal panchayat elections live: Violence mars rural polls killing 12, 50.52 per cent voter turnout till 3 PM

After the election dates were announced, several incidents of violence were reported from the state, claiming the lives of atleast 15 people.

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At least eleven people were killed in West Bengal panchayat election violence since midnight, officials said.

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Voting is underway across 73,887 seats in the state, which began at 7 AM.

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Among those killed were five TMC members, and one worker each of the BJP, CPI(M) and Congress, and the supporter of an Independent candidate.

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Besides violent clashes that injured several people, ballot boxes were destroyed in at least two polling booths.

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About 5.67 crore people living in the state’s rural areas are eligible to vote.

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At least 600 companies of central forces have been deployed for the elections along with around 70,000 state police.

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There are 63,229 gram panchayat seats and 9,730 panchayat samiti seats in 22 districts,

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