Tuesday, April 18 2006 17:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kozhikode: In a veiled criticism, senior BJP leader L K Advani today (Apr 18, 2006) claimed the CPI(M) is reportedly 'upset' over the polling percentage recorded during the first phase of assembly elections in West Bengal as it was likely to affect its winning prospects.

"The Marxist party is reportedly upset that only 70 per cent of the electorate has cast its vote, while it used to be 80 to 85 per cent in the previous elections", he told a meet-the-press programme at the Calicut Press Club here today.

During his visit to West Bengal twice before the election campaign started, Advani said, he could see that democracy was totally paralysed there.

"Booth capturing and other illegal practices had helped the CPI(M) to remain in power in Bengal for years like in Bihar where the Laloo-led RJD unleashed a reign of terror during elections," he alleged adding, "We were still able to oust the RJD in Bihar by convincing the people of the malpractices engaged by the RJD there".

He wanted the Election Commission to ensure that free and fair polls were held in West Bengal, Advani said.