With one lakh security personnel deployed to look after law and order, polling for the crucial third phase of West Bengal Assembly election began today at 7 AM.

Polling was held in 62 seats, including seven constituencies in Kolkata.

Altogether 418 candidates, including 34 female, are in fray in the 62 seats spread over Murshidabad, Nadia, Burdwan districts and north and central Kolkata.

Over 1.37 crore voters, including 65.8 lakh females, are registered in the electoral rolls at these constituencies.

Violence marred the poll from the beginning. 1 CPI(M) booth agent was killed in Domkol, Murshidabad. Reports of violence were reported from places like Ketugram, Mangalkot, Galsi , Jalangi etc.

Even in Kolkata, reports of electoral malpractice, stray skirmishes and general unrest was reported in particular from Beleghata, Jorasanko.

In most cases the allegations were levelled against the ruling party TMC, although the party promptly denied it.

Voting comes first (PTI)

Key candidates whose fate will be sealed today include Trinamool ministers Shashi Panja and Sadhan Pande, BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha, five-time Congress MLA Md Sohrab, CPI-M MLA Anisur Rahman and retired IPS officer Nazrul Islam.

The one lakh security personnel include 75,000 central forces.

Also Read: West Bengal Elections 2016 Phase 3: Cong-Left alliance likely to dominate, rural vote bank may redeem TMC

The Congress- Left alliance is expected to dominate heavily in 22 seats of Murshidabad. Tough contest is expected in Nadia and Kolkata, where both TMC and the alliance are competitive. TMC though has a distinc edge in Burdwan. All together alliance is expected garner majority out of these 62 seats. BJP is also expected to pick up 2-3 seats in this phase.

Polling will be held in three more phases ending on May 5. Result will be declared on 19th May.

With PTI inputs