Third phase election campaign in last leg

Ranchi: Campaign for the third phase of Lok Sabha election in the state has reached last stage. The polls will be conducted in Rajmahal, Dumka, Godda and Dhanbad.

There are a total of 61 lakh voters who will decide the fate of 72 candidates in these four constituencies. Among the prominent candidates in fray are Jharkhand Mukti Morcha president and former Chief Minister Sibu Soren, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha president Babulal Marandi, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha leader Pradip Yadav, Samaresh Singh, Hemlal Murmu and Nishikant Dubey.

Almost all important leaders of various parties are presently campaigning in Santhal Paragana. Public rallies and meetings are being held every day. Star campaigners of various political parties are trying their best to woo voters in favour of their respective party candidates.

State Election Commission has earmarked sensitive and highly sensitive election booths ahead of the third phase elections. A special combing operation in on in Naxalite-hit areas.

So far a total of 253 cases of Model Code of Conduct violation have been lodged by the state administration. The maximum number of cases, 62, have been lodged against BJP members.