)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed satisfaction that the panchayat elections being held today in three districts of Junglemahal, a former Maoist stronghold, were taking place peacefully.
"That the polling is going on peacefully in Junglemahal is a big thing," Banerjee told reporters before leaving for Hooghly district to address a panchayat election meeting there. State Election Commission Secretary Tapas Ray earlier said there were reports of sporadic violence and scuffles at some places.
The first phase of the elections are being held in West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts.
