KOLKATA: Massive conflict during the panchayat elections in West Bengal. It is reported that four people were killed in multiple incidents of violence in the state. Two Congress workers, one Trinamool Congress member and a BJP member have been murdered. The voting commenced at 7 am and will conclude by 5 pm.

Various such incidents are being reported from across the state. Congress and Trinamool Congress workers clashed in Murshidabad. Trinamool workers burnt ballot papers in a polling booth in Cooch Behar.

More than two lakh candidates are competing for 73,887 seats. The main contenders are the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. Many people have been killed in several violent clashes that broke out after the panchayat elections were announced in Bengal. Four BJP workers were shot dead in an encounter between Trinamool and BJP workers in Cooch Behar yesterday.

The Kolkata High Court has again directed the State Election Commission to create a peaceful environment for everyone to cast their votes. This is the first time in the state's history that central forces are being deployed for local elections.