Kolkata, April 30 -- BJP candidate from Asansol South Assembly constituency Agnimitra Paul on Thursday alleged that despite an "atmosphere of fear", the people of Bengal came out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.

"I am very proud of the Election Commission, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Aggarwal for conducting such an election with 92%-94% voter turnout. Despite so many threats and an atmosphere of fear, the people of Bengal came out. We really didn't believe such an election could be held without invoking (Article) 356, but it happened...," Paul told ANI.

On exit polls, she said, "I don't have much faith in exit polls, but I trust my grassroots, the pulse of the people that I h...