Wednesday, May 3 2006 10:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kolkata: The elections for 57 constituencies in three districts of West Bengal in the fourth phase began at 7:00 am today amidst tight security.

Of the 57 seats, 19 are in Murshidabad, 26 in Burdwan and 12 in Birbhum district. Altogether 288 aspirants are trying their luck, including Industry minister Nirupam Sen and Power minister Mrinal Banerjee.

Like the previous three rounds, tight security arrrangements have been made for the fourth phase as well.

Central para-military forces have been deployed in polling booths, Election Commission sources said.

Vigil has been intensified along West Bengal's border with Jharkhand and Bangladesh to prevent the entry of undesireable elements, Commission sources said.

BSF has been instructed to intensify patrolling along the Indo-Bangla border in Murshidabad district.

More than 435 companies of central para-military forces have been deployed in this phase.