Patna: Security measures in Bihar have been increased across various districts for the second phase of the assembly elections, which began this morning. According to officials, a high alert has been sounded across the state.
Speaking with ANI over the phone, Bihar Director General of Police Vinay Kumar said the state is on high alert. He said police teams have been put on alert at all borders adjoining Bihar, and intensive checking has also been carried out.
He also urged voters to cast their votes in the second phase of the polling fearlessly and without any apprehension, assuring that the state has been on high alert for the past 72 hours because of the elections.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Assistant Commandant Rushikesh Wakhare stated that security remains on high alert following the Delhi blast tragedy. He informed that anti-sabotage checks have been carried out and instructions have been given to officers on the ground here to visit all polling booths.
“Following the incident in Delhi yesterday, the security is on high alert. Similarly, regarding elections, we have been given instructions that all officers have to be on the ground and visit all locations and polling booths. We also have to do anti-sabotage checks. In a democracy, elections are of prime importance,” CISF Assistant Commandant Wakhare told ANI.
Polling for the phase 2 seats in Bihar is being done in the wake of the deadly blast in Delhi’s Red Fort area. At least eight people were killed and seven others were injured in the incident, a senior Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital official told ANI on Monday.
All arrangements are in place for the second phase of Bihar assembly polls, which will decide the fate of 1,302 candidates, including some senior leaders of the ruling NDA and opposition Mahagathbandhan.
The state saw a record 65.08 per cent polling in the first phase of polling with all political parties, including Jan Suraaj, interpreting the high voter turnout in their favour.
A total of 3.70 crores voters are eligible to exercise their franchise across 122 constituencies in the second phase, which saw a hectic campaign by political leaders.
Earlier, polling parties reached their respective areas ahead of the polls which will be held at 45,399 centres. The first phase of the Bihar elections marked the highest polling percentage in the state’s history.
(With inputs from ANI)
