High-Stakes Lok Sabha polls: Security tightened as Bengal gears up for third phase voting

• Election campaigning halts for four Bengal constituencies ahead of the third phase of Lok Sabha polls
• Prominent figures contesting, including Abhijit Mukherjee and Gouri Shankar Ghosh
• Heightened security measures deployed, with 334 companies of Central Armed Police Forces stationed across the constituencies

In the lead-up to the third phase of Lok Sabha elections in Bengal, election campaigning has halted in four constituencies, namely Malda Uttar, Malda Dakshin, Murshidabad, and Jangipur. Scheduled for polling on May 7th, these constituencies have witnessed vigorous campaigning by various political parties after the nomination process commenced on April 12th and concluded on April 22nd.

 Prominent figures such as Abhijit Mukherjee, son of former President Pranab Mukherjee, and Gouri Shankar Ghosh of BJP, are contesting from Jangipur. Meanwhile, Murshidabad sees a fierce battle between Trinamool's sitting MP Abu Taher Khan, Mo. Salim of the Left-Congress alliance, and Goutam Ghosh of BJP. The Election Commission has deployed 334 companies of Central Armed Police Forces for these four constituencies, with the highest deployment in Murshidabad, where security forces will be stationed at 114 companies. Heightened security measures have been taken in Murshidabad following reports of bombs being found in various areas, leading to additional deployment of security forces.

Moreover, substantial security presence is planned in Krishna Nagar and both North and South Malda, ensuring the safety and integrity of the electoral process. A total of 10,894 state police forces will also be deployed across these four Lok Sabha centers, underscoring the importance of security in maintaining free and fair elections.