The polling in the second phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections is underway peacefully in 20 constituencies spread over seven districts. An estimated 13 per cent electorates have exercised their right of franchise till 9 a.m. Polling will end at 3 p.m. in 18 Assembly constituencies except for two Assembly seats of Jamshedpur East and West, where people can exercise their franchise till 5 p.m.
Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for smooth conduct of polls. More than 42,000 security personnel, including Central forces, have been deployed to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling.
Prominent candidates in this phase include Chief Minister Raghubar Das, Assembly Speaker Dinesh Oraon, Rural Development Minister Neelkanth Singh Munda, Water Resources Minister Ramchandra Sahis and BJP State Unit President Laxman Gilua. The fate of AJSU candidate Pradeep Kumar Balmachu, JD(U) State President Salkhan Murmu and Bandhu Tirkey of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) will also be decided today.
