W. Bengal tourism industry worries over loss of revenue

Siliguri, Mar 21 (ANI): The tourism industry in West Bengal fears financial loss during the upcoming assembly elections, as most tourist vehicles have been booked by candidates for campaigning.

Industry insiders say the vehicles that were used by tourists have been taken over by the Election Commission.

The tourism industry in the state has been suffering from the last three years due to various agitations in the state, and the elections have hit the hopes of operators for a good season.

"We have already raised our voice of concern to the administration here. We have told them that we are aware that the election process is very important, but in spite of that we have tourists, both international as well as domestic tourists, who have booked their tours in advance. In case of that, what happens is we are not being able to provide them a confirmed vehicle at that time, so how will they move around in this region? So that is one of the most important points," said Samrat Sanyal, President of a travel agency.

The state will have elections in six phases. The first phase of voting will take place on April 18, second phase on April 23, third phase on April 27, fourth phase on May 3, fifth phase on May 7 and sixth phase on May 10.

The total number of assembly constituencies in West Bengal is 294, of which 68 are reserved for the Scheduled Castes and 16 for the Scheduled Tribes

The Election Commission has said that polling will take place at 51,919 polling stations. (ANI)