The First Phase of election in Jharkhand took place on Saturday in 13 Assembly Constituencies covering 6 districts (Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, Lohardaga and Gumla). As per election commission, the first phase recieved 64.12% approximate voter turnout.
Despite the fact that all these Areas fell in the most naxal affected districts the poll today went off peacefully, barring few minor incidents, with very enthusiastic participation of voters including PWDs, senior citizens, youth etc.
According to the Election Commission, 4162 out of 4892 polling stations (more than 85%) were categorized as critical; adequate security arrangements were made in these areas. Whereas 1269 polling stations required dispatching polling teams two days in advance. 4 choppers were also deployed to drop 440 polling personnel to the polling stations, and 5 choppers will be used for bringing polling personnel from the remote locations back.
There was no major incident of law & order reported on the poll day. However, some minor incidents of IED blasts and scuffle between candidates have been reported. The details of these are given below.
- At booth No. 13 of 72-Lohardaga Assembly constituency, Middle school, Kauwadanr there is a report of IED blast at around 9.30PM yesterday. All the polling party of this booth are safe and polling to place peacefully at this polling station.
- There was a low intensity IED blast carried out near a bridge connecting ghagra village to hapad village under Bishunpur PS in Gumla district. There is no loss of life property incidence seems to be carried out by some local sympathiser of Maoists. Forces are present in the area and polling in the area concerned is conducted peacefully.
- A scuffle between a candidate and the supports of another candidate took place out side hosiery booth in Daltonganj constituency. The candidate took out his licensed weapon and his body guards came out in his protection as many people were chasing him. The weapon has been seized and necessary action is being taken. There is no disturbance of polling.
