Purulia : Protesting against lack of electricity and potable water supply in their village, 850 villagers in from Chiruvita and Pialsol villages in the Purulia District boycotted the assembly elections on Monday.

“We will not vote, because despite repeated promise, our village is not yet electrified and we also face shortage of drinking water. When they don’t care for us, why should we cast vote for them?” said a villager.

In West Bengal, voting has begun for the first phase of assembly elections in 18 constituencies amid tight security, reported Newsx.

These constituencies include six seats in Paschim Medinipur, nine in Purulia and three in Bankura districts.

4,940 polling stations have been set-up for over 40 lakh voters, who will decide the fate of 133 candidates.

39 candidates are in the fray in Paschim Medinipur, 72 In Purulia and 22 in Bankura. 11 of the candidates are women.

(Also Read: West Bengal polls: 67% voter turnout till afternoon, more queue-up)

Voters at most of the booths were seen queuing up well before the start of voting at 7 a.m.

As most parts of about 13 of the 18 constituencies are in Left Wing Extremist affected areas, the Election Commission has put up very tight security measures.

The other six polling dates in the state are April 11, 17, 21, 25, 30 and May 5.