July 25: In Haldia municipality elections in east district of midnapore in West Bengal, considered to be a referendum on the issue of industrialization policy of government left front maintained its hold by winning 19 out of 26 seats.
Counting begin on Wednesday morning at 8 am amid tight security with immense tension in air. Before that on Sunday total of 55 candidates contested for 26 seats and elections were conducted on 111 booths amid tight security. There was 81% voters’ turn out.
Last year left front won all the seats in the area this time nandigram violence over the land acquisition issue made its impact and created space for Trinmool congress in the region.
Following the violent incidents in Nandigram the civic elections gained extra-ordinary political colour and were turned into a decisive vote on the policy issues.
Recent victory of left gains importance in view of the recent set back in the Panskura municipal polls in the same district and also government’s decision to relocate the chemical hub in the port town after it cancelled its plan to establish in Nandigram.
Lakshman Seth who stated the process in Nandigram accepts that these elections have been over taken by Nandigram and Buddhadeb’s industrial policy.
Ruling party faced a tough challenge by the Entire opposition forming a grand anti left-alliance fielding common contestants against their candidates. But the ruling party leadership had confidence of obtaining the mandate in their favour. Jyoti Basu said that he is not sure whether they will get as many seats as they got earlier but sure to win the most.
|
|
Read More: Haldia
Comments:
