Bihar polls: Final phase commences

The fifth and final phase of the Bihar Assembly polls began on Thursday for the remaining 57 of the 243 seats.

The 57 constituencies include 24 in Seemanchal region bordering West Bengal and spread over nine districts of Madhubani, Darbhanga, Supual, Madhepura, Saharsa, Araria, Kisanganj, Purnea, and Katihar.

The prominent leaders, whose fate would be decided in this phase include Janata Dal (United )'s Bijendra Prasad Yadav (Supaul), Rashtriya Janata Dal's Siddiqui (Alinagar), Minister Narendra Narayan Yadav (Alamnagar) and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's close aide Bhola Yadav (Bahadurpur).

In the two Naxal-hit constituencies - Simri Bhakhtiyarpur and Mahisi in Saharsa district, the polling time has been cut short by two hours and would end at 3 p.m. for an otherwise 5 p.m. for the remaining 55 seats.

Over one lakh security forces have been deployed to ensure free and fair polling. Besides Central para military forces at every booth, a three tier security arrangement has been put in place.

While five helicopters and drones will keep a vigil from sky during polling process, one air ambulance will be ready to meet any eventuality.

Indo-Nepal border along Bihar has been sealed and no body would be allowed to move across the border. Inter-district border has also been sealed and a strict vigil is being maintained to avert untoward incidents.

The fifth phase stands apart from the earlier phases with respect to the large number of Muslim voters involved this time. This round would be watched keenly to see if All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) of Hyderabad lawmaker Asauddin Owaisi manages to successfully launch itself in Bihar. AIMIM has fielded six candidates in Seemanchal areas, where Muslim voters are present in large number to test poll waters in Bihar.

The BJP has fielded a maximum of 38 candidates, while Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) nominees are contesting in 11. The Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) is battling in five constituencies and former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) is contesting on three seats.

The fourth phase of polling for 55 seats saw almost 58 percent voter turnout on Sunday.