Elections conclude in India's Assam, 1 killed

The second and final phase of polling for local elections concluded Monday evening in India's northeastern state of Assam, while as one person was killed in poll related violence, officials said.

"The voter turnout in second and final phase of Assam was over 82 percent," Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told media in New Delhi." Polling was held in 61 constituencies covering the lower and central parts of the state."

One person was killed and three others were injured in a clash between security forces and voters at Barpeta district

"A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident." Saxena said.

The first phase of elections in the state was held last week.

India's ruling Hindu nationalist Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing a tough competition from opposition Congress and other regional parties.

The incumbent Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi of Congress party is seeking fourth straight term in the state. Reports said he would be facing a stiff competition from BJP chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal and other regional parties.

Meanwhile, in the eastern state of West Bengal, around 80 percent polling was recorded in the second part of the first phase of local elections.

Stray incidents of violence, mainly involving clashes between supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress and opposition parties, were reported from the poll bound areas, reports said.

The incumbent Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of Trinamool Congress party will be seeking a second term. BJP is seen as a weak player in the state that erstwhile was a stronghold for the Left.

According to India's Election Commission, elections for five states - Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry - began on April 4 and would conclude on May 16.

While elections ended in Assam, the West Bengal is scheduled to vote in further phases.

Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will have elections in a single phase on May 16.

Counting of votes would be carried out on May 19.

Source: XINHUA