Jhangipur, Nandigram: In Nandigram, ground zero of the battle for Bengal, the presence of security forces was reassuring. But soon there were reports of violence at Gokulnagar 15 kms away.
At the trouble spot, we faced a hostile crowd who snatched our camera and manhandled us.
The crowd is restive. In a CPM village who allege that they were prevented from casting their vote by supporters of Trinamool.
Officials say similar allegations were made by the Trinamool against the CPM.
More severe clashes were reported from Asansol, where a few houses and vehicles were torched. Some scuffles took place in Jhangipur, Pranab Mukherjee's constituency
The clashes reflect the significance of this phase of polls in Bengal. Of the 17 seats that went to vote on Thursday last time the Left got 14 and the Congress 3 seats.
But this time they are up against a united Trinamool and the Congress.
And the elections are being fought over an emotive issue: farm land versus factory.
"Yes, land is the main issue in these elections," says a local.