NEW DELHI, June 19, SPA -- At least eight people have been killed inclashes between rival political parties during localCouncil elections in eastern India, local media reportedMonday. Supporters of the Communist Party, which governs in WestBengal state, and the Congress Party that heads the federalgovernment, fought battles using guns and rocks on Sunday,the Press Trust of India news agency reported. The violence was centered in Murshidabad district, about125 miles (200 kilometers) north of the state capitalCalcutta, PTI said. Local officials could not immediately be reached forcomment. Sunday's vote was the third phase of statewide electionsfor local councils.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/557189