Bihar polls: Fourth phase begins amid heavy security

Polling for the fourth phase of the five-phase Bihar Assembly elections began at 7 a.m. amid tight security arrangements on Sunday.

A total of 776 candidates are in fray for 55 assembly seats across seven districts namely West Champaran, East Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Gopalgunj and Siwan. A total of 1,46,93,294 electorate will cast vote on 14,139 polling stations to elect their representatives.

The polling will take place from 7a.m to 5p.m in 43 constituencies, while in four Naxal-hit constituencies, it will conclude at 3p.m, whereas in other eight constituencies at 4p.m.

The Indo-Nepal border touching Bihar has been sealed, and no person will be allowed to cross border from both the sides during polling hours.

Meanwhile, paramilitary forces flag marched in sensitive areas of East and West Champaran districts, while in border areas additional seven companies have been deployed.

Even inter-district borders have been sealed, and police are doing brisk checking of passing vehicles.

Balloting has already completed on 131 seats in the earlier three rounds. After completion of fourth phase, voting would be over in 186 seats.

The last phase of polling is scheduled on November 5 on the remaining 57 seats. Campaigning is in full swing for the fifth and final phase to be held on Thursday in 57 constituencies spread over nine districts.