Bad omen? Mr Cool feels the heat

KOLKATA: Sanjay Bakshi, Trinamool's Burrabazar satrap, is never known to have lost his temper even in a crisis.

But the stifling heat and the tough opposition apparently got the better of him. "I was surprised to see Bakshida today, "said an aide of the former MLA.Bakshi's wife, Smita Bakshi, is the candidate from Jorasanko."I have never seen him like this.He kept yelling at his workers."

Bakshi's day started as early as 7am as he set off for different areas in Jorasanko. His first visit was to his party office in Madan Chatterjee Lane at Girish Park. "We had a quick meeting before the polling started," said a worker. As the day progressed, signs of stress appeared on Bakshi's face. "The Opposition is getting a lot of votes and central forces are very tough," said a Trinamool foot soldier at Kalabagan. Smita's popularity has dropped with her family getting dragged into controversies, including the flyover crash.

"Anti-incumbency has set in against Smita. A touch opposition in BJP has compounded her problems. This is the reason Bakshida is so perturbed.This is a battle of prestige," said a Trinamool leader.