18 per cent and 15 per cent turnout in bypoll to 2 West Bengal seats

KOLKATA: A voter turnout of 18 and 15 per cent was recorded till 10 AM in by-elections to one Lok Sabha and one Assembly constituencies in West Bengal respectively, which are underway amid tight security.

Over 18 per cent polling was recorded in Bongaon (SC) Lok Sabha seat in North 24 Paraganas district and nearly 15 per cent voters exercised their franchise in Krishnaganj (SC) Assembly seat of Nadia district till 10 AM.

"Polling is going on peacefully and there has been no untoward incident. Around 18.25 percent turnout was recorded in Bongaon Lok Sabha seat and 15 per cent was recorded in Krishanganj assembly seat till 10 AM," Assistant Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Amitjyoti Bhattyacharia told PTI.

Responding to an allegation that CPIM polling agent was not allowed to sit in a booth at Gayeshpur in Nadia district, he said, "everything is normal there".

The by-polls this time are being viewed as a crucial test of popularity for the ruling Trinamool Congress at a time when the party is facing heat over Saradha scam.