<p>In Malda, a boycott was under way in five polling stations and in at least two booths in South Dinajpur district. <br /><br />"Senior officials have rushed to the area to convince the voters. The Election Commission in New Delhi has been informed," said state Joint Chief Electoral Officer Dibyendu Sarkar.<br /><br />He said they had a sense that electors in some areas of Malda would boycott the polls on the issue of under-development. "The district election officer (district magistrate) was asked to talk to the voters and convince them to participate in the poll. We thought they had been persuaded." <br /><br />The district election officer of South Dinajpur said voters boycotted the polls in two stations but details were awaited. The first round of the six-phased West Bengal elections began Monday in 54 constituencies in six districts. The elections end May 10 and the counting of votes is due May 13.</p>
<p>In Malda, a boycott was under way in five polling stations and in at least two booths in South Dinajpur district. <br /><br />"Senior officials have rushed to the area to convince the voters. The Election Commission in New Delhi has been informed," said state Joint Chief Electoral Officer Dibyendu Sarkar.<br /><br />He said they had a sense that electors in some areas of Malda would boycott the polls on the issue of under-development. "The district election officer (district magistrate) was asked to talk to the voters and convince them to participate in the poll. We thought they had been persuaded." <br /><br />The district election officer of South Dinajpur said voters boycotted the polls in two stations but details were awaited. The first round of the six-phased West Bengal elections began Monday in 54 constituencies in six districts. The elections end May 10 and the counting of votes is due May 13.</p>