Two candidates, one a sitting BJP MP and the other a Trinamul MLA, squabbled openly and loudly at a booth early on Monday, setting the stage for what was an acrimonious day of brisk voting at seven constituencies of Bengal that went to polls in Phase Five of the Lok Sabha elections.

The state reported 73 per cent polling amid stray clashes and charges and counter accusations of voter intimidation by both the ruling Trinamul and BJP on a day that saw Narendra Modi campaigning at Jhargram and announcing with characteristic confidence that he would take oath as prime minister after results are declared on June 4.

“Countdown of the collapse of the INDI alliance has started. The fifth phase of polling has ensured their defeat. Congress has sunk and the Trinamul boat is also sinking,” Modi said while voting was on elsewhere.

Till 5pm, according to the data released by the Election Commission, the overall turnout in Bengal was pegged at 73 per cent. The highest turnout was recorded at Arambagh at 76.90 per cent, while the lowest was at Howrah and Barrackpore, both at 68.84 per cent.

The turnout was 75.73 per cent at Bongaon, 74.50 per cent at Uluberia and 71.18 per cent at Serampore.“The final turnout will be higher,” estimated Aariz Aftab, the chief electoral officer.

At 9.06pm on Monday, the poll panel's Voter Turnout app was showing the same figures.

BJP nominee Locket Chatterjee was confronted by Trinamul MLA from Dhaniakhali, Asima Patra. While Chatterjee called the legislator “chor” (thief), the MLA shot back, calling the BJP nominee “dakat” (dacoit). Television channels aired footage of the spat. At Chandernagore in the same constituency, Chatterjee was shown slippers and black flags by Trinamul workers.

The EC has sought a report on the issue.

Mamata kin's name missing

One person who couldn't vote was the chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s youngest brother, Swapan Banerjee, alias Babun. When he went to the polling station this morning, Swapan was told his name had been deleted from the electoral rolls, though according to him no reason behind the omission was offered.

Swapan, an aspirant for the Howrah Lok Sabha seat, had announced his decision to contest as an Independent after Mamata reposed her faith in the incumbent MP, ex-footballer Prasun Banerjee. He took back his decision after Mamata denounced his move and publicly severed all ties with him.

“I had my voting address changed two years ago after I moved to Howrah. After I found my name was deleted I have complained to the Election Commission and also informed the Trinamul’s Howrah district leadership,” Swapan said.

BJP nominee heckled

The BJP's Barrackpore nominee, Arjun Singh, known for his strong-arm tactics, had to hear “go back” slogans at several places.

“They did not allow our agents to sit at some of the polling booths. I had to take them to the polling stations,” Singh said. “The central forces are not doing anything to stop the Trinamul goons, ” he alleged.

Stones were pelted at the vehicle of BJP leader Kaustuv Bagchi in Barrackpore’s Mandalpara. One person was arrested.

CPM nominee from Serampore Dipsita Dhar also complained of intimidation of voters and polling agents in her constituency by Trinamul workers since last night.

BJP 'reign of terror' charge

Clashes between the Trinamul workers and BJP cadres were reported in parts of Barrackpore, Bongaon, Arambagh and Howrah.“The BJP has unleashed a reign of terror in the villages and not allowing our voters to cast their votes,” alleged Mitali Bag, the Trinamul nominee from Arambagh.

Live crude bombs were recovered in Arambagh’s Khanakul area following a clash between BJP and Trinamul supporters.

Aftab, the chief electoral officer, said: “Polling was largely peaceful and no major incidents reported from anywhere.”

Over 100 arrested

According to the figures released by the central poll panel on the poll process in Bengal, 47 people were arrested on various charges in Hooghly, followed by 35 in Howrah and seven in Bongaon. Among those arrested included a false voter. A polling agent was arrested for entering a booth with voters’ slips. A presiding officer in Bally, Howrah’s booth 176 was removed following an altercation with the polling agents. It was reported the presiding officer had been assaulted.

“There were some administrative issues. The matter is being investigated. The polling agent is also being questioned,” said Aftab.

After an ITBP jawan was accused of molesting a woman at a school in Jangipara, Hooghly, the entire team was replaced.