AMN / AGENCIES
More than 63 per cent polling was recorded in the second phase of Assembly elections in Jharkhand today.
Chief Electoral Officer, Vinay Kumar Choubey said that polling was held in twenty constituencies spread over seven districts- Saraikela-Kharsawan, Gumla, Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, East and West Singhbhum. He said, maximum 74 percent polling was recorded in Bahragora constituency in East Singhbhum district.
The CEO said that the percentage is likely to increase after receiving the final poll figures. Mr Choubey said, in comparision to 2014 assembly elections, this time there is 5 percent decline in voting percentage in these 20 seats.
The CEO said One person was killed and two others were injured in Sisai Constituency in Gumla district during clash between police and local people over alleged bogus voting. The incident occurred when security forces had to fire in self-defence. During the clash four people including a local SHO were also injured in stone pelting by miscreants.
In Chaibasa, suspected Naxals set on fire a bus deployed for ferrying electorates to re-located polling booths in Jojohatu area. Superintendent of Police (SP) West Singhbhum said, no casualty has been reported in the incident.
In another incident, a group of Naxals ambushed on polling party in dense forest in Marangburu village under Adaki Police station area of Khunti district. Officials said, befitting reply was given by security personnel and naxals fled away. They said, all members of polling party and EVMs are safe.
In 14 Naxal affected constituencies more than sixty percent polling was registered. In this phase 16 assembly seats are reserved for tribal candidates. Electoral fortune of 260 candidates including 29 women nominees were sealed in EVMs in this phase.
Chief Minister Raghubar Das, his cabinet colleagues Neelkanth Singh Munda, Ramchandra Shahis, Jharkhand assembly speaker Dinesh Oraon, BJP state president Laxman Gilua, JD(U) state chief Salkhan Murmu, former state minister Saryu Raoy, Bandhu Tirkey and senior AJSU leader Pradip Kumar Balmuchu are prominent candidates of this phase.
In the first phase of elections on the 30th of last month, 63 per cent polling was recorded. The polling process for 81-member Jharkhand Assembly will be completed in five phases. Counting of votes will be held on the 23rd of this month