Election Commission's Special Observer in West Bengal Sudhir Kumar Rakesh has said that the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections held on 30th April in the state were free and fair, but the Left Front has disputed it. Rakesh told reporters in Kolkata yesterday that the polls have been absolutely free and fair and the complaints and allegations are not correct. Left Front chairman Biman Bose, however, expressed surprise at Rakesh's comment and alleged that they were pre-meditated. He demanded his removal. Meanwhile, CPI(M) has demanded repoll in 1,317 out of a total of 17,323 booths.

CPI(M) state secretary Biman Bose alleged that TMC workers resorted to rigging and booth capturing at various places under the nose of EC observers and micro-observers.