Thursday, April 27 2006 10:18 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kolkata: Polling for 76 constituencies in West Bengal began at 7 am today (Apr 27, 2006) amidst unprecedented security to decide the fate of 474 candidates in the third phase.

Elections are being held to 76 constituencies spread over Kolkata and two adjoining districts - North and South 24 Parganas.

Prominent candidates in the fray include Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, his cabinet colleagues Asim Dasgupta, Subhas Chakraborty, Amar Chowdhury, Md Amin, Manabendra Mukherjee, Gautam Deb and assembly Speaker Hasim Abdul Halim.

Former city Mayor and Congress nominee Subrata Mukherjee, film actors Tapas Pal(Trinamool Congress) and Biplab Chattopadhyay(CPI-M), are also trying their luck.

Election to the Bhatpara constituency has been countermanded following the death of Bahujan Samaj Party nominee Shefali Sarkar.

Two Election Commission observers have been appointed for each of the 76 constituencies. Some of the constituencies would have three observers, EC sources said.

About 500 companies of central paramilitary forces have been deployed at all polling stations in the three districts to ensure peaceful polls.