PATNA: With issuance of notification on Friday the filing of nomination papers for the Fifth phase of Assembly elections in Bihar has begun. 35 Assembly constituencies spread over eight districts will go to the polls in this phase on the 9th of next month. The districts to be covered in this phase are Patna, Gaya, Nawada, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Jehanabad, Arwal and Bhojpur. The last date for filing of nominations for the fifth phase is 22nd of this month and scrutiny will be done the next day. Candidates can withdraw their nomination papers till October 25.
Meanwhile, campaigning has intensified for the first phase of assembly elections to be held on 21st of this month. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is scheduled to address an election rally at Narpatganj in Araria district tomorrow.
In constituency profile today we take a look at Purnia district of Bihar where there is a direct fight between the candidates of ruling NDA and opposition parties in seven assembly segments. While ruling parties are trying to retain their seats, opposition parties are trying to increase their tally.
There are seven assembly segments in Purnia district. In last assembly elections BJP got 3 and RJD wrested 2 assembly seats. One congress candidate was successful on Amour constituency. Remaining one is Independent candidate who is facing challenge from RJD candidate. On the other hand RJD MLA Bima Bharati who resigned from the party and this time she is a candidate of Janata Dal ( united). She is also facing challenge from LJP candidate. Leaders of different political parties including BSP Supremo Mayati, RJD President Lalu Prasd Yadav, LJP Chief Ram Vilas Paswan and senior Janta Dal (United) Leader and Chief minister Nitish Kumar addressed a series of meeting in the state.
