West Bengal ahead of fifth phase of assembly polls tomorrow

Foolproof security arrangements are being made for tomorrow's fifth and penultimate phase of West Bengal Assembly elections. Fifty three constituencies spread over South Kolkata, Hooghly and South 24-Parganas will go to the polls in this phase. 

349 candidates, including Trinamool Congress leader and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, are in the fray. Nearly 1 crore 20 lakh people are eligible to exercise their franchise in



this phase, campaigning for which ended last evening.

The Election Commission has decided to deploy more than 650 companies of paramilitary forces for the smooth conduct of polls. Over 15,000 state police personnel will also assist the central forces.

Six-phase polling was announced for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly. 

The sixth and final phase will be held on the 5th of next month.