Seasoned CPI(M) leader Kanti Ganguly, fighting the elections from Raidighi in South 24-Parganas, was playing a game of cards when this correspondent called. "I'm not at all worried about the outcome. I voted around 8am in Kolkata and then came to Raidighi. Let me play my game of cards please," said a confident Ganguly, who is pitted against actor Debasree Roy of the Trinamool Congress. "I am confident of winning 200%," Ganguly said before signing off.
Roy, however, was the centre of attraction in her constituency. When she visited the area on Wednesday, villagers welcomed her in a festive mood. When she went to booth 33 at Krishnachandrap, voters in queue gathered around her. She hugged children and talked with the common people, mainly women voters of the booth.
At 7.30am on Wednesday, theatre director Bratya Basu voted from Kalindi and then toured the Dum Dum constituency extensively. "We were satisfied with over 50% of the electorate casting their votes before 3pm. The Left did try to create some disturbances but then we are satisfied," said Basu, combating Goutam Deb of the CPI(M).
Trinamool candidate from Uttarpara Anup Ghoshal voted from his constituency Ballygunge around 10 am and then went back to his own constituency. "Mamata Banerjee will go there in the evening for canvassing. I am making preparations," said Ghoshal.
Tolly star Chiranjeet voted from Rashbehari in the morning and then returned to his constituency, Barasat, in North 24-Parganas. "I have been doing the rounds of the booths. Voting has been almost 100%. Also, the fact that it didn't rain much here helped. I am confident of winning," said Chiranjeet.
{{/usCountry}}Tolly star Chiranjeet voted from Rashbehari in the morning and then returned to his constituency, Barasat, in North 24-Parganas. "I have been doing the rounds of the booths. Voting has been almost 100%. Also, the fact that it didn't rain much here helped. I am confident of winning," said Chiranjeet.
{{/usCountry}}Trinamool heavyweight Subrata Mukherjee cast his vote around 1.30 pm. "The CPI(M) did try to create problems in some pockets. Also, lots of EVM machines did not function properly. However, on the whole, I am satisfied with the polling today," said Mukherjee. He is in the fray at Ballygunge against CPI(M) candidate Fuad Halim.
Trinamool candidate Sashi Panja cast her vote around 2 pm from Ramdulal Sarkar Street. "Electioneering has been peaceful but some party people were trying to canvass outside booths. I have complained at the local police station and also to Election Commission," said Panja, confident of winning the polls.
(With inputs from Sukumar Debnath).