Slow start to 4th phase polling

Only 7.15 per cent polling was recorded till 9 am in the fourth phase of assembly elections in the naxal-affected 14 constituencies of Jharkhand, according to Election Commission sources here.

The polling, which began at 7 am and will continue till 3 pm, is going on peacefully amid air surveillance, they said.

A total of 24,62,850 voters are eligible to cast their franchise to decide the fate of 233 candidates contesting from Bahragora, Ghatsila, Potka, Ichagarh, Majhgaon, Manoharpur, Chakardharpur, Torpa, Sisai, Gumla, Bishunpur, Simdega, Kolebira and Lohardaga.

Security forces, including strike reserve forces, have been deployed in all the constituencies, the police said.

Polling for 51 seats has been completed in the previous three phases while the final phase will be held on December 18.

Results will be announced on December 23.