In Bihar elaborate security arrangements have been made in naxal infested areas of the state to ensure trouble free fifth phase of polls on Tuesday in 35 constituencies spread over eight districts.AIR Patna correspondent reports the 17 constituencies are naxal affected. The polling will start at 7 am and will continue till 5 pm except naxal affected constituencies where it will end at 3 pm. In Hilsa, Belaganj and Wazirganj constituencies polling will be concluded one hour before the scheduled time.The Director General of Police Neelmani said jawans of central para military forces have already been deployed at all polling booths. Satellite phones are being used to monitor the movements of naxal activities. BSF helicopters will be pressed into service for air surveillance during polling.The Election Commission has strictly instructed the polling parties to go to their polling stations only with security personnel. They have also been told to reach to their polling stations before evening. Chief Electoral officer Sudhir Kumar Rakesh has appealed electorates of the state not to be scared and come in large numbers to excercise their right of franchise.Mr Rakesh said that Observers and Micro Observers have been appointed to ensure free and fair polls. Over 81 lakh electorates will decide the political fortune of 490 candidates including 44 women.
News On AIR | November 8, 2010 6:09 PM
Fifth phase Bihar Assembly polls in 35 constituencies Tuesday; 17 naxal affected