Forward Bloc demands repoll in Cooch Behar

Kolkata, April 17 (IANS) Accusing West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress of unleashing terror in Cooch Behar constituency, the Forward Bloc Thursday sought repoll in three assembly segments. Poll panel officials said they will take a call only after a detail scrutiny of the facts and the complaint.

Cooch Behar Forward Bloc candidate Dipak Ray, who protested before the district magistrate, alleged inaction on the part of the administration despite repeated complaints against the Trinamool "terror".

"Trinamool goons have forcibly entered several booths in Natabari, Cooch Behar South and Sitalkuchi assembly segments, drove away agents and cast false votes," Ray said. He added that he had taken up the matter with the Election Commission and demanded repoll in the three segments.

Forward Bloc leader Udayan Guha said that central paramilitary forces were deliberately shifted out of Cooch Behar to allow the Trinamool to threaten and intimidate voters.

Similar allegations were also made by Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Hem Chandra Barman and Congress' Keshab Chandra Roy. However, Trinamool's nominee Renuka Sinha rubbished them.

Confirming the receipt of Forward Bloc's complaint, EC appointed special observer for the state, Sudhir Kumar Rakesh said: "A decision on repolling can be taken only after scrutinizing the facts and the complaint made. Once the poll ends, we will take a call on that."

Chief electoral officer Sunil Gupta told reporters here that the district magistrate of Coochbehar and as well as the returning officer has met the Forward Bloc candidate and have told him of the measures taken. He said the candidate was "satisfied" at the actions taken.