Anwarul Hoda / AMN

Chief Election Commissioner Naseem Zaidi today reviewed preparedness for the fourth and fifth phases of Bihar Assembly polls at a meeting in Muzaffarpur.

He held discussions with state’s Chief Electoral Officer, Distinct Collectors, Senior Superintendent of Police and other senior officers of 16 districts which will go polls in these two phases.

55 assembly segments will go to the poll in fourth phase while 57 seats will face polling in the fifth phase. Mr. Zaidi, who is on two day visit of Patna with other election commissioners, on Sunday reviewed the poll preparations in Patna.

He held a review meeting with State Home Secretary and IG of CRPF regarding security arrangements during the polls. The team also had a meeting with the officials of Income Tax and Excise departments in which it discussed the seizure of black money during elections.

The Chief Election Commissioner also assured political parties that all steps would be taken to ensure free and fair polls.

Today is the last day for withdrawal of nominations for the fifth phase.

Polling, in this phase, will be held on the 5th of next month in 57 constituencies spread over nine districts. After the rejection of 38 nominations, 861 candidates are in the fray in this phase.