The number of new Covid cases in West Bengal has crossed 15 thousand in the past 24 hours with 19 fresh fatalities. Out of 62 thousand 413 samples tested yesterday, 15 thousand 421 were tested positive as the positivity rate climbed to 24.71%.  <br />''<br />''6 thousand 569 cases were reported in Kolkata alone, which is the highest in the state. 48 micro containment zones have already been set up in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area.<br />''<br />''Meanwhile, BJP has demanded to postpone the municipal elections for at least one month in wake of the covid situation.<br />''<br />''State BJP leader Shamik Bhattacharjya today said, covid situation in the state is alarming and the state government needs to take a decision regarding the polls. It may be recalled that, polls are slated to be held on 22nd January at 4 municipalities- Bidhannagar, Chandannagar, Asansol and Siliguri.<br />''<br />''<br />