AMN / RANCHI
The fourth phase of Assembly elections in Jharkhand passed off peacefully. Fifteen constituencies spread over four districts, namely Dhanbad, Deoghar, Giridih and Bokaro, went to polls in this phase today.
No untoward incident has been reported from the areas where polling was held.
Chief Electoral Officer, Vinay Kumar Choubey, said 62.54 per cent voting was recorded in this phase. He said the percentage is likely to increase after getting the final figure from presiding officers.
Over 66 per cent voting was recorded in the five Naxal-affected constituencies of Bagodar, Jamua, Giridih, Dumri and Tundi. Polling in these constituencies concluded at 3 pm due to security reasons. In the remaining 10 seats, voting ended at 5 PM.
A large number of people in the Naxal-infested constituencies came out from their homes to cast votes.
During today’s polling, rural voters have exercised their right to franchise in large numbers than the urban voters. Women voters have out-numbered male voters in almost all polling booths of 15 constituencies.
95 per cent Divyaang voters also have exercised their votes. Maximum 75 per cent voting was recorded in Chandankiyari followed by 73 per cent in Madhupur and 70 per cent in Sindri constituency.
The political fortune of 221 candidates including 22 women have been sealed in EVMs. This includes two Jharkhand ministers – Raj Paliwar and Amar Bauri – seven former ministers and 14 sitting MLAs. After the fourth phase of elections, polling has been completed in 65 constituencies out of 81. In remaining 16 constituencies, polling will be on 20th of this month.