EC changes poll timing, as Bihar goes to phase-II of elections on Sunday

PATNA - As six districts of Bihar undergo polls for the phase-II of State Assembly elections for 45 seats on Sunday, the Election Commission has changed the poll timings for some constituencies following the ultras killing six policemen in Sheohar district.

In the wake of the blast, the EC has decided to hold polling in Sheohar and Belsand Assembly constituencies between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM along with three other Naxal-hit constituencies of Minapur, Paroo and Sahebgunj.

Security, meanwhile, has been stepped up for the polls with the borders with Nepal being sealed and patrolling on the ground and air surveillance intensified, Director General of Police Neelmani said.

“We are leaving nothing to chance with central paramilitary forces deployed at 85 polling stations besides armed police from other states and the Bihar Military Police and District Armed Police,” Neelmani said.

Senior state officials, including the IG and Commissioners of Tirhut Division will keep surveillance from the air with Special Task Force personnel, he said.

The remaining 15 per cent polling stations will have static deployment of armed securitymen, he said.

The Maoists, who triggered a landmine blast last night, have given a poll boycott call.

Official sources said Maoists’ posters have appeared on government buildings and polling stations in East Champarana, Sheohar, Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur districts.

The Congress and the BSP are contesting all the seats. The ruling JD(U) is contesting 28 seats and ally BJP 17.The Rashtriya Janata Dal is in the fray in 34 Assembly constituencies, and ally Lok Janshakti Party in 11.

CPI-M and CPI have put up eight candidates each. (ANI)